| Submit your comments on this article |
| Southeast Asia |
| Southern Thai insurgency declared 'foreigner-free' |
| 2007-01-27 |
| The Thai Foreign Ministry said on Friday that there are no foreigners, Muslim or otherwise, involved in the insurgency in southern Thailand. Tharit Charungvat, director general of the He said that this was based on reports by security agencies and Thailand's ambassadors and Consul-Generals to the OIC countries, who have been recalled to Bangkok for a three-day briefing and meeting. Tharit, however, said that the ministry would investigate if there were any foreign groups channeling money for the separatists who are waging war against the central government to seek independence for the three provinces. "We are looking into possible financial support from outside. But it's not easy to pinpoint which funds are going to the separatists as lot of money comes into Thailand," he said. Tharit said the ministry would also compile an information book to explain the situation in the south to foreign countries, including OIC members who have voiced concern over the daily violence in the region. He said that no time framework had been set to complete the book as it required a lot of coordination from security agencies and government departments there. "But we can assure OIC members that the situation there is getting better with the new policies laid down by our Prime Minister," he said. Since taking over the premiership following the military ouster of Thaksin Shinawatra in Sept last year, Surayud Chulanont has taken a more Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also the OIC chairman, is expected to make a two-day visit to the Kingdom on Feb 11 and 12 where he will discuss the southern issue with Surayud. |
| Posted by:ryuge |
| #1 Juden-Frei! |
| Posted by: Frank G 2007-01-27 13:25 |