Thai peace talks: Dr M acts in private capacity
Malaysiakini
Oct  7, 2006

Malaysia said it would stay out of Thailand's political affairs but expressed hope the new government would fine a way to resolve the conflict in the insurgency-hit south.

"We cannot interfere in the affairs of a neighbour unless expressly invited to help out," Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak was quoted as saying by Bernama today.

"In this case, it is up to Thailand determine its stand on the matter," he said, referring to a willingness from Thai authorities to hold talks with insurgent groups in the provinces bordering Malaysia.

It has been reported that former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is helping to broker a peace deal.

Najib said that Mahathir's efforts to resolve problems in the troubled region was in his capacity as head of non-governmental organisation Perdana Global Peace.

Thailand's coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin last week said authorities wanted to hold peace talks with the groups, who have been battling the government in Muslim-majority southern provinces.

The September 19 military overthrow of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sparked hope that a two-year insurgency in the provinces could be resolved.

Close cultural, social ties

Separatist violence and other unrest in southern Thailand has killed more than 1,500 since January 2004, and Thaksin's heavyhanded policies were blamed by many for worsening the unrest.

"As we know, under the old government it was difficult for talks to be held between the conflicting parties. Hopefully peace and harmony can be attained in southern Thailand under the new leadership," said Najib.

Malaysia shares a northern border with southern Thailand, and people living in the two regions share close cultural and social ties.

The region was an independent, ethnic Malay sultanate until Thailand annexed it a century ago. Separatist violence has erupted periodically ever since.