Thailand Extends Emergency Rule In Restive South

[webfact]

Thailand extends emergency rule in restive south

BANGKOK, October 19, 2010 (AFP) - Thailand extended emergency rule in its violence-plagued deep south for another three months on Tuesday despite complaints that authorities are abusing the strict powers.

The decree, which was first introduced in 2005 and covers the Muslim-majority provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, has been criticised by rights campaigners who say it effectively gives the army legal immunity.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva acknowledged that he continued to receive allegations that officials were misusing their powers and promised a meeting with the army, police and other officials to discuss the law's application.

"The policy of my government is not to create conditions that could provoke more violence by allowing the authorities to abuse the law," he said.

Suspected Islamic insurgents have waged a violent separatist battle in the region since early 2004, targeting Muslims and Buddhists, civilians and security personnel.

Last week non-governmental organisation Deep South Watch, which aims to provide information on the conflict, said the six years of unrest had left 4,390 people dead and more than 7,000 injured.

Thailand recently extended a separate emergency decree introduced in response to anti-government protests in Bangkok that eventually left over 90 people dead in clashes between troops and protesters in April and May.

The capital and surrounding areas remain under the laws, which ban public gatherings of more than five people and give security forces the right to detain suspects for 30 days without charge.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-10-19