BRN claims slow peace talks are behind surge in southern violence

The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the peace process in Thailand’s deep South, claiming that the recent escalation in violence reflects slow progress in negotiations rather than a rejection of dialogue.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the BRN Peace Dialogue Secretariat said the latest security developments in Patani demonstrate that the decades-long conflict remains unresolved and has yet to reach a sustainable settlement.

The BRN, a separatist insurgent group in Thailand’s deep South, said its armed struggle, which it claimed has entered its 23rd year, continues to target Thai security forces, government-backed armed groups and what it described as capitalist projects that threaten the livelihoods, environment and identity of the Patani Malay Muslim community.

BRN also claimed that its armed wing respects and adheres to international humanitarian law, according to the statement, which was unofficially translated from Malay.

The movement urged civilians to prioritise their safety by avoiding areas that could become military operation zones. It also advised them not to join Thai government security forces or engage in activities that could be interpreted as supporting state security operations.

The BRN maintained that negotiations remain the most appropriate means of achieving a dignified, just and lasting political solution, and that a political settlement between the Patani people and the Thai government is essential to achieving genuine and sustainable peace and security in the region.

The BRN also expressed appreciation to the Malaysian government for its continued role as facilitator of the peace dialogue, as well as to the international community, which it said had shown professionalism and strong commitment to resolving the prolonged conflict.

The group expressed hope that the peace process would be further strengthened through broad support from the Patani community.

The statement came amid heightened tensions in Thailand’s southern border provinces following a series of attacks in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala over the past week, including a roadside bomb in Tak Bai on June 29 that injured two Malaysians.

Thai authorities have since stepped up security operations across the restive region, increasing military patrols and launching investigations to track down those responsible for the attacks.

The conflict in Thailand’s deep South sees insurgent groups seeking greater autonomy or independence for the predominantly Malay-Muslim provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla.

More than 7,000 people have been killed since the insurgency reignited in 2004.

Malaysia has facilitated peace talks between the Thai government and BRN since 2013. Although several confidence-building measures and rounds of negotiations have taken place over the years, the process has repeatedly stalled due to political changes, security incidents and disagreements over the framework for a political settlement, the statement read.

The latest wave of violence has renewed concerns over the fragile security situation and the future of the peace process, with Thailand and Malaysia recently reaffirming their commitments to strengthening cross-border security cooperation to prevent the conflict from spilling across the border.