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