Southern Thailand’s insurgent group wants power, not just peace talks — even with Malaysia at the table

In the ongoing conflict spanning two decades in southern Thailand, the leader of the dominant Malay-Muslim separatist faction, Nikmatullah Seri, declared this week that his group would persist in fighting until its objectives are met. Speaking to AFP during a rare interview, Nikmatullah stated, "This struggle will continue until the end of time," emphasizing their commitment to achieving their goals.

The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) has been waging a battle for an independent Islamic state in Thailand's predominantly Muslim south since the 1960s, though the current unrest escalated in 2004. Thai authorities have been engaged in peace negotiations with the BRN under Malaysian mediation since 2013, with the latest high-level talks occurring in December.

However, the progress has been hindered, leading to the suspension of dialogue in July after an attack that claimed five soldiers' lives. Nikmatullah reiterated that the BRN's primary objective remains the demand for independence, with the region previously constituting part of the Patani Sultanate, annexed by Thailand in the early 1900s.

Over 7,000 people have been killed in the conflict since 2004, according to the Deep South Watch monitor. While Nikmatullah did not confirm or deny his group's involvement in recent violence, he maintained that the BRN is the primary force behind the struggle, proposing a power-sharing arrangement with Bangkok. Should the BRN assume governance, it would implement Syariah law—a stipulation that applies exclusively to Muslims—while other communities would be governed under existing Thai law.

The leader acknowledged that ethnic Malay Muslims face discrimination in language and culture, and have never felt secure. Officially, Thailand rejects these claims. In response to the ongoing unrest, Thanut Suvarnananda, Thailand's lead negotiator, stated that ceasefire zones and the reduction of checkpoints and security measures would be considered.

Nikmatullah claimed that the BRN's military wing has suffered 1,000 fighter deaths over the past two decades, but emphasized that warfare should be a last resort, targeting the government rather than vulnerable groups. In July, coordinated nighttime attacks resulted in injuries to civilians and damage to government and private properties, prompting Thailand to suspend dialogue.

Nikmatullah declined to confirm the BRN's involvement in the recent attacks but hinted at potential back-channel negotiations with Thailand in October. Malaysia's Defence Minister, Mohamed Khaled Nordin, expressed support for a peaceful resolution, stating that Malaysia respects Thailand's sovereignty and will not allow itself to be used as a refuge for violence or rejection of the peace process.