NSC chief prepares for talks with BRN

National Security Council (NSC) chief Paradorn Pattanathabutr yesterday laid out a framework for the March 28 talks with BRN, but would not commit to the idea of a Pattani metropolitan administration.

Insisting that the pact he signed on February 28 with BRN in Malaysia was lawful, Paradorn also called a meeting of related agencies and gave 15 people the job of talking with separatists in Kuala Lumpur. They include Defence deputy permanent secretary Nipat Thonglek, Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) deputy chief Piya Kijthavorn, Internal Security Operations Command official Nakrob Boonbuathong.

Paradorn said initial assessment showed that the separatists might want to voice their ideas about a special administration zone - whose format has yet to be crystallised - and if it is proposed, the Thai side will have to discuss the issue with various parties first.

He said Thailand's stance would be based on the Constitution, adding that this upcoming talk should open the door to negotiations with other insurgent groups.