Prime Minister’s Visit to Malaysia Focuses on Economic and Security Matters

Bangkok: It has been revealed that the Prime Minister flew to Malaysia for economic and security reasons, and that a peace dialogue team is already in place. According to Thai News Agency, the Army Chief of Staff disclosed that the Prime Minister is engaging in discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on economic and security dimensions. The dialogue also involves a peace talks committee overseeing the southern border provinces, emphasizing caution to prevent escalation. General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army and Secretary-General of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), elaborated on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's upcoming visit to Malaysia on July 9-10. The discussions are set to focus on ASEAN and economic matters, alongside security issues concerning border problems such as drug trafficking, cross-border illegal activities, and dual citizenship. Regarding peace talks in the southern border provinces, General Chaiyapruk indicated that inqui ries regarding negotiations should be directed to the peace talks committee. He emphasized the importance of caution to avoid escalation and clarified that while the Army could engage in talks with Malaysia, negotiating with insurgent groups is not within their remit, as specific individuals are already designated for that role. When questioned about an individual claiming to command the BRN forces in Narathiwat province, who proposed troop withdrawal in exchange for disarmament, General Chaiyapruk mentioned that verifying the identity of the claimant is essential.