February 12, 2008
BANGKOK - Some degree of self-rule for Muslim-majority provinces will be considered by the new government, according to Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung.
More than 2,900 people have died in the southern provinces along the Malaysian border since separatist violence erupted four years ago.
In the latest unrest, a 40-year-old Buddhist man was shot and set ablaze in Pattani province late Monday, while three others were shot dead in nearby provinces early Tuesday, police said.
"I want to reaffirm that autonomy is possible, but we will have to discuss what type of autonomy it would be," Chalerm told reporters.
He said that Thailand would take China's westernmost Xinjiang region, which is autonomous and predominantly Muslim, as an example, according to AFP.
According to the Interior Minister, measures must be taken to stop daily killings. He himself will not often make trips to the south as that can only spark more violence.
It is believed militants can possibly stage bomb attacks at Hat Yai or even in Bangkok.
Local officials will be asked to propose new restrictions on night life.
Asst Prof Dr. Worawit Baru, a Muslim academic, said it was a good idea, adding that the self-rule law should be accepted by the people.
PM Samak Sundaravej said the issue was sensitive and should be discussed only in a particular group. He gave no comment on such proposal.
