Minister Thamarak Isarangura said on Saturday that officials had to take control of the situation in the deep South following a recent wave of violent incidents.

"If insurgents instigate violent situations we must respond, as they do not care for innocent people. We must adjust our strategies," he said.

Thamarak said that some of these incidents could not be dealt with leniently and that sometimes drastic action was needed.

"The solution is not to use violence. But sometimes you need drastic action in response to the violent incidents that these insurgents are creating. It is like boxing - you have to hit back sometimes. If you only defend yourself, you might be knocked out," he said.

His comments came as the ongoing violence in the deep South continues unabated.

More than 1,300 people have died since January 2004. Last Tuesday, suspected Muslim insurgents staged one of the biggest shows of force in weeks, with some 100 bombings and arson attacks throughout the region.

Former prime minister and adviser to the Democrat Party Chuan Leekpai said he was

concerned with Thamarak's remarks.

"I agree that we need drastic action, but not if that means the use of violence. I mean, regardless of their religion, those who commit crime must be legally prosecuted and punished. We must not be subjective but instead let the judges do their work. Otherwise, it will increase the problems," Chuan said.

"The government should take drastic action that is legal and not use any outlawed methods," he said, adding the government should also reconsider policies it says are on the right track.

The number of violent incidents and people killed did not reflect this, Chuan said.

A former member of the National Reconciliation Com-mission, Petchdao Tohmeena, said violence was not the way out and should the government opt for such an approach, the violence will never end.