Peace dialogue: Chatchai to head panel in far south, says PM Srettha

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin appointed Chatchai Bangchuad, the deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), as the head of the government’s peace dialogue panel in the far South, replacing Gen Wanlop Rugsanaoh. The latter’s term concluded after the constitution of the new government.

Despite two former Fourth Army chiefs being among the proposed candidates, the 61 year old prime minister preferred a civilian for the role, aiming to enhance the image of the negotiation team and the soldiers, who also participated in the appointment decision.

This choice was influenced by the fact that the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) and other insurgent groups in the Far South have frequently expressed discomfort in discussions with government peace teams led by soldiers or Thai military members.

Chatchai is not a novice to the peace dialogue panel and security affairs teams, having worked alongside them for several years. His current appointment also leaves open the potential for him to rise to the position of secretary-general of the NSC in the future, as he continues to serve as a civil servant until 2027.

PM Srettha today will introduce Chatchai to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a meeting at the Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla, where they will discuss trade and tourism, reported Bangkok Post.

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