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The Star

Publication Date : 02-03-2013

The Kedah Siamese Association sees tremendous social and economical benefits if peace is achieved between Thailand and a rebel group.

Its chairman Nop Nai Samrong said he hoped the forthcoming peace discussion in the Muslim-majority southern provinces would be a success.

“When there is peace, there would be no more unnecessary loss of life brought about by insurgency,” he said yesterday.

Nop said if peace was achieved in the area, the people there and those living close to the border could go about their business without hindrance or fear.

He added that this also would allow the Thai government to bring development and investment there.

Nop said the situation in southern Thailand was a delicate issue and the Malaysian Siamese community was not meddling in it.

It was reported yesterday that Thailand and Badan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) signed in Kuala Lumpur a General Consensus Document to Launch a Dialogue Process for Peace in the southern provinces, and agreed to invite Malaysia

to be the facilitator.

Mayor of Dannok, office of the Sumnukkham subdistrict municipality, Kecha Benjakarn said the discussion should focus on ensuring the safety of the people in the three regions.

“I am proud and thankful for the discussion made between Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, as well as the agreement between BRN and the Thai army.”

Fathu Islami Mosque imam in Dannok, Sofian Ismail, 60, praised Malaysia in acting as mediator.

“We have been waiting for a long time for this because we are tired of the violence.

“It is time that we end the violence through discussion or peaceful politics,” he said.

Self-employed Abd Rahman Ahmat, 53, from Pattani said: “The meeting with BRN will not solve the issue 100 per cent because there are many groups involved.

“That is why continuous meetings and discussions must be held with all groups.”