New theory on violence in Thailand

New theory on violence in Thailand

THAILAND: A new theory has emerged on a spate of terrorist-style attacks and bombings in southern Thailand: narcotics.

Since last December, 20 policemen have been gunned down in still unexplained assaults in the predominantly Muslim deep south.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, making a surprise trip to the area on Saturday, said the troubles could be linked to conflicts of interest, especially over narcotics, news accounts said.

Earlier this month Thaksin suggested the culprits were "around here," a possible reference to the involvement of influential people in the violence or a conflict between the military and police.

Thai officials have discounted a revival of Islamic separatism which once plagued the south and generally describe the attackers as bandits. --AP