Ex-PULO leader still detained by M’sia — Thai minister

BANGKOK: Ismail Thanam or better known as “Ismail Ternang”, the former leader of Pattani United Liberation Organisation (PULO) is still being detained by the Malaysian authorities said Thailand’s deputy defence minister Gen Udomdej Sitabutr.

Udomdej said Ismail, who is in his 60s, was detained on charges related to possession of weapons.

“We have been following on (Ismail’s) case. We have not received him back. Yes, he is still being detained in our neigbour country,” he told the media when asked about the former militant leader before attending a meeting here yesterday.

Udomdej who headed the “Forward Cabinet” to deal with problems in southern Thailand said, Thai authorities need to wait for Malaysia to conclude their investigation on Ismail before making their next move.

Thailand are not involved in Malaysia’s investigation on Ismail who was sentenced to life imprisonment but released in 2015 after receiving a royal pardon by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The deputy defence minister noted that owning or possessing arms is illegal in Malaysia.

Fourth Army Region Commander Lt Gen Piyawat Nakwanich had confirmed Ismail’s arrest in Malaysia several days ago when asked by Bernama, but declined to furnish more details on the matter.

Nevertheless, a source said the former leader of PULO who once led an armed struggle in southern Thailand was arrested by Malaysian police at his familyrun restaurant in Perak for armsrelated offences.

His arrest followed a police operation in Kedah several days ago where a man was shot dead after a brief gun battle and the deceased was suspected to have been involved in arms smuggling at the Malaysian-Thai border.

Meanwhile, Udomdej said although Ismail was under constant monitoring by Thai security authorities since his release from prison, it did not prevent him from travelling to neighbouring countries.

On the southern peace process, the deputy defence minister said the peace process was still ongoing with both parties working to find a common ground on issues related to the implementation of Safety Zones.

Bangkok and Mara Patani, an umbrella body representing several groups in southern Thailand, have been engaging in peace process with Malaysia acting as the facilitator.

A Joint Acting Committee will be set up at the Safety Zone, with its members comprised of local population to ensure their participation in the success of the zones, he said. - Bernama