Thailand's government is set to form a new peace negotiation team to address the longstanding insurgency in the Deep South, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced on Wednesday.

The new team’s creation comes as the frequency of violent attacks in the region rises, and after the previous chief negotiator, Chatchai Bangchuad, served under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

The government has yet to decide who will lead the new team, with options ranging from reappointing the previous team or selecting new negotiators.

A decision is expected after a thorough review of the strategies aimed at resolving the decades-long conflict.

Phumtham stressed the need for swift action, aiming to convene discussions with all stakeholders within two weeks to avoid further delays.

He expressed concern over the ongoing violence and the lack of significant progress in peace efforts.

Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, no ceasefire has been successfully achieved, leading to doubts over the alignment of the involved political and military factions.

The Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) rebel group has voiced concerns over the delays in forming the new team, criticizing the government for a lack of commitment to peace.

This criticism follows Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's recent visit to Malaysia to discuss bilateral cooperation, including peacebuilding efforts in the southern border provinces.

As the conflict stretches into its third decade, the Thai government continues to face challenges in reaching a lasting resolution.