Thais Muslims refuse to go home

Thais Muslims refuse to go home

MALAYSIA: None of the 131 Thai Muslims who fled to Malaysia two months ago have decided to return home to Thailand's insurgency-wracked south, despite their government's insistence that their safety is assured, Malaysian officials said on Monday.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said authorities would determine how to proceed with the issue -- which has strained relations with neighboring Thailand -- after the Idul Fitri holiday later this week, the national news agency Bernama reported.

"So far, none of them has indicated" that they plan to return to Thailand soon, Najib said. "We have a few options, but we will decide when the time comes."

Najib declined to elaborate on the possible measures, but added that Thai authorities would continue to meet with the Muslims to persuade them to return home.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit pledged to ensure their safety during talks with Najib last week. Both sides agreed not to let the issue further jeopardize bilateral ties.

Relations have been strained since the Thais entered Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation, on Aug. 30, claiming they feared for their lives because of a crackdown on Islamic insurgents in southern Thailand. Malaysia said it would not return them until Bangkok assured their safety. -- AP