# Southern Thailand Insurgents Demand Power

> BRN insists on independence despite Malaysia-mediated peace talks.
- Title: Southern Thailand Insurgents Demand Power · Malay Mail
- Summary: BRN insists on independence despite Malaysia-mediated peace talks. Southern Thailand's insurgent group vows to fight for political power until independence…
- Keywords: barisan revolusi nasional, southern thailand, malaysia, thailand, insurgency, political power, peace talks, independence, news, world, Southern, Insurgents
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/09/18/southern-thailands-insurgent-group-wants-power-not-just-peace-talks-even-with-malaysia-at-the-table/235625
- Published: 2026-09-18T21:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: barisan revolusi nasional, southern thailand, malaysia, thailand, insurgency, political power, peace talks, independence, news, world
## BRN Spokesman
Nikmatullah Seri, BRN's peace negotiation spokesman, says the struggle will continue until independence is achieved.

> This struggle will continue until the end of time
## Two Decades of Conflict
Over 7,000 people have died since 2004 in southern Thailand's insurgency.
## Malaysian Mediation
Malaysia has mediated peace talks with Thailand since 2013, but recent violence stalled negotiations.
## BRN's Goal
BRN wants to govern southern Thailand under Islamic law, with a five- to ten-year transition to democracy.
## Discrimination Claims
BRN says ethnic Malay Muslims face discrimination and feel unsafe in Thailand.
## Recent Violence
Five Thai soldiers died in a July attack, causing Thailand to suspend peace talks.
## BRN's Military
BRN recorded 1,000 fighter deaths over two decades, but says warfare is a last resort.
## Malaysian Response
Malaysia says it respects Thailand's sovereignty but will not allow violence to continue.
## Back-Channel Talks
BRN may negotiate directly with Thailand in October if Malaysia's mediator is delayed.
## Long-Term Strategy
BRN says the struggle will take decades, not years, to achieve independence.
## Key takeaway

Southern Thailand's insurgent group vows to fight for political power until independence is achieved, even as Malaysia mediates peace talks.