"Violence in the South has been going on for the past three years. It will take time to tackle it.

"The government should take care and be patient in its efforts to solve these problems," the former peace broker and two-time prime minister said.

He made his observations at a Thailand Development Research Institute seminar.

He recommended measures proposed earlier by his commission as a solution to the protracted crisis.

Meanwhile, killings in the

troubled region continued yesterday.

Militants shot and killed a 37-year-old police informant who had survived two previous attempts on his life.

Bahareng Uma was shot dead by suspected militants in Joh I Rong district of Narathiwat as he was returning home on foot. Police said Bahareng was a long-serving informer.

One villager was killed and two seriously injured in Thung Yang Daeng district of Pattani when two suspected militants on a motorcycle opened fire as they rode past the victims' pickup vehicle on the on Sai Buri-Thung Yang Daeng road.

Sixty-six-year-old Kim Kaewmapaen was pronounced dead at a Pattani hospital. Chaiwat Srimark, 44, and Somnuek Sribuniat, 69, are in a serious condition.

In Narathiwat, Sungai Padi district chief Chamnan Muendam has asked the Interior Ministry to dispatch more soldiers to the area following intelligence reports that militants would intensify attacks this month.

"Villagers are afraid of going out. They cannot lead normal lives. The situation is more serious now and we have been told militants will step up attacks on innocent people. I have asked for more soldiers," Chamnan said.