SOUTHERN VIOLENCE: Queen calls for peace to be restored

Her Majesty urges govt to prevent unrest from escalating into religious conflict

BANGKOK: -- Her Majesty the Queen yesterday expressed concern that the violence in the Muslim-majority South could be exploited and turned into a religious conflict and urged the government to do its utmost to prevent the situation from festering into a sectarian issue, government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair said.

Her Majesty said the problem is essentially about a group of people who harbour bad intentions against the state, he said.

In one of the latest attacks, bombs exploded at three temples almost simultaneously on Sunday night in the southernmost province of Narathiwat, injuring two people and damaging the temples' sanctuaries.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday repeated Her Majesty's concerns to the Cabinet, Jakrapob said.

Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said Their Majesties the King and Queen had made a financial contribution for the restoration of Krue Se mosque, which was damaged during the April 28 bloodbath.

The Chularatchamontri Sawat Sumalayasak, the country's Islamic spiritual leader, is planning to send Muslim scholars to the three affected provinces to teach "the correct version of Islam", he added.

Chavalit said the government was working on inviting prominent Muslim scholars from various countries, including Egypt, Indonesia and the Middle East, to the region.

Authorities believe militants who have attacked security forces have been indoctrinated by teachings which deviate from orthodox Islam.

Chavalit dismissed suggestions that the government was meddling in religious doctrines or other religious matters.

In a related development, the Buddhist Association of Thailand (Pattani branch) urged Buddhists not to retaliate so as to avoid falling into the trap set by those responsible for the violence.

Authorities have also been working to improve the security of Christian groups in the South as it has been suggested that they are a possible target, the association said.

--The Nation 2004-05-18

will it change anything?

In a related development, the Buddhist Association of Thailand (Pattani branch) urged Buddhists not to retaliate so as to avoid falling into the trap set by those responsible for the violence.

--The Nation 2004-05-18

Well done the Buddhist Association of Thailand (Pattani Branch),

Simultaneous effort from all would spur communication, surely?

Thaimee. Can we agree on Peace?

Peace would be very nice

I think it will make a difference, they are revered and rightly so.

If the Imans and Mullahs are the right people, then thing should calm down and attention be paid to our beloved

Bash

And they will all sit around and enjoy a pig roast after the new taechings and peaceful existance.