BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnog said Tuesday (July 16th) that Thailand may reduce the number of troops deployed in the Deep South provinces if the current lull in violence is maintained, AFP reported.

"We won't withdraw troops from the area but we can reduce the number and focus on development rather than fighting," Pracha, who oversees national security, told reporters.

During peace talks hosted by Malaysia, the Thai government and the rebel Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) agreed to curb violence during Ramadan. So far, Pracha said "there was very little violence and no loss of life, only injuries ... we can say that the BRN is sincere to a certain extent, based on its behaviour."

The truce is expected to last through August 18th.