14 April 1987, the Voice of the People of Malaysia announced an agreement between the MPLA and the Thai authorities, whereby MPLA would cease its armed struggle whilst the Thai authorities would respect the 'dignity of [the MPLA] members'. As per the announcement, on 27 and 28 April 1987 some 700 MPLA guerrillas were expected to surrender to the Fourth Army Region of the Royal Thai Army. On 26 April 1987, Voice of the People of Malaysia announced that the radio broadcasts would cease the following day. Notably the agreement to cease hostilities was done between the two military forces (Second Military District of the MPLA and the Fourth Army Region of the Royal Thai Army respectively), rather than on political level. In doing so the Thai government avoided the issue of having accorded legitimacy to a communist insurgent force from a neighbouring country. In exchange for cessation of hostilities MPLA guerrillas were settled in 'friendship villages' in southern Thailand and were given guarantees against deportation to Malaysia. On 28 April 1987, some 542 MPLA guerrillas (537 according to another account) emerged from the jungle. 252 of the guerrillas who surrendered were women. They surrendered their equipments to the Thai forces. A reconciliation ceremony was held outside of Betong, presided over by the Commander of the Fourth Army Region Lt.-Gen. Visith Artkhumwong and attended by Thai military and civilian officials. The former MCP/MPLA guerrillas were resettled five peace villages; four along the road between Betong and Yala and one in Sadao. References 1983 establishments in Malaysia 1987 disestablishments in Malaysia Communist parties in Malaysia Defunct political parties in Malaysia Political parties disestablished in 1987 Political parties established in 1983