Three Steps For Peace Talk Process, Says Prayuth

BANGKOK, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- The peace talk between the government of Thailand and separatist groups in the south will have a three-step process but the timetable for the talks has yet to be set, said Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha. "The first step is Malaysia as the facilitator will identify the groups to engage in the peace talks, followed by a process of trust building and verification of the status of the groups," he told reporters after chairing the National Security Council (NSC) at the Government House here Wednesday. Prayuth said there are several insurgence groups in the south, old and new, and all were in Thailand. He said sometimes their members crossed the border but declined to reveal any numbers. "If the first step is successful, it will lead to the second step which is the ratification of an agreement and setting a roadmap", he said. Prayuth said the last step would be to implement the roadmap such as ending of violence, dealing with matters regarding people involved in the violence, justice, development and reducing inequality as well as issues relating to identity and culture. -- BERNAMA