BANGKOK, Thailand – National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanatabut said a Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) representative has agreed to send a "signal" to operatives in the Deep South to curb violence as a goodwill gesture leading up to peace talks that begin in three weeks, The Bangkok Post reported Thursday (March 7th).

Paradorn said he asked for the signal during a discussion Tuesday on the framework of the planned peace dialogue with BRN Deputy Secretary-General Hassan Taib, and that he agreed.

The talks are aimed at ending violence by Muslim insurgents in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

Though some question whether Taib or the Malaysia-based BRN actually controls militants in Thailand, Paradorn maintained that the BRN is an umbrella organisation that is connected to operatives on the ground.

Meanwhile, according to The Nation, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said the Fourth Army Area commander Lieutenant General Udomchai Thamsarorat is in the process of trying to persuade about 20 leading insurgents to surrender and take advantage of plea bargains offered under Article 21 of the Internal Security Act (ISA). The results of that effort are expected by next week.

Chalerm has stressed that he wants to focus on using negotiations to try to end the Deep South insurgency. Given progress with the BRN, he reportedly plans to lift the more draconian Emergency Decree in effect in six districts and enforce the more lenient ISA instead.