Bangkok: The Prime Minister has signed an order appointing Thanat Suwannanon as the head of the peace talks in the southern border provinces. This appointment grants him the authority to engage with dissident groups and perpetrators involved in the ongoing conflict, as well as to coordinate efforts with international facilitators to promote peace in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul issued a Prime Minister's Office order outlining Mr. Suwannanon's responsibilities. His key duties include conducting peace dialogues in the southern border provinces following the policies set by the National Security Council, the Prime Minister, or the Cabinet.
Additionally, Mr. Suwannanon is tasked with assessing and analyzing the attitudes of dissenting groups and violent extremists, providing insights to the National Security Council, the Prime Minister, or the Cabinet. He will also coordinate with international facilitators and various agencies, both governmental and private, to further the peace dialogue process.
Furthermore, the order empowers Mr. Suwannanon to appoint committees, subcommittees, and working groups, as well as to bring on advisors and experts to aid the peace efforts. Regular reporting of the progress and outcomes of these initiatives is to be made to the National Security Council, the Prime Minister, or the Cabinet. This appointment is effective immediately, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to resolve conflicts in the southern border provinces.