Thai Junta Signals Muslim Talks

"If there are any talks I will let local officials hold them," said Sonthi (L).

"Key members have contacted us for talks, but I have to check what group," coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin was quoted by Agence France-Presse (AFP) as telling reporters.

"If there are any talks I will let local officials hold them," added Thailand's first Muslim army chief.

Sonthi had opposed the ousted government's heavy-handed policies in the south and suggested talks to solve the conflict.

Lieutenant General Viroach Buacharoon, the new southern army commander, said earlier Wednesday that some Muslim groups were ready to talk.

"There are signals from insurgent groups and local people that they are ready to cooperate for the sake of peace in the region," he told reporters.

"But I have to wait for a clear sign from the government as to whether there will be negotiations or not."

Nearly 1,500 people have been killed since the unrest erupted in January 2004.

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country with Muslims making up five percent of the population and mostly live in the five southern provinces bordering Malaysia.

Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat are the only Muslim-majority provinces in Thailand and were an independent Muslim sultanate until annexed officially a century ago.

Thai Muslims have long suffered from discrimination in jobs, education and business opportunities.

Cautious

However, Thailand's new military-appointed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont urged caution over any possible talks.

"It's too soon to say anything on this issue, we have to wait," he said.

"There is no contact yet... I have to consult with others on this matter."

Surayud vowed on Sunday, September 1, to end unrest in the Muslim-majority south and heal the nation's political divisions within one year.

He confirmed Wednesday that Sonthi would be retaining his role in the south.

"Sonthi will continue to oversee security in the south in his capacity as chairman of the Council of National Security," said Surayud, referring to the new body formed by the military junta.

In 2004, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said the government's failure to address Muslim injustices and open a genuine dialogue with Muslim leaders in the south is the real reason behind unrest in the country.

Experts have urged the Thai government to come to terms that Muslims in the south have an identity of their own but want to be seen as part and parcel of the society and not like second-class citizens.