The fracas erupted as Muslim demonstrators gathered to demand the release of three people detained on suspicion of being militants. Buddhist residents confronted them.

Some 100 Muslims - mostly women and children - gathered at the Na Pradu police station in Pattani's Khok Pho district about 9am. They demanded police release the three residents.

Sufyan Jehteh, Ali Doloh and Hamdan Hajibula had been arrested earlier in connection with suspected militant violence.

The protesters blocked a Pattani to Yala road. Officials called for 150 soldiers - including women Rangers - and police.

A similar number of Buddhist residents later confronted the protesters. They carried banners upholding the constitution and demanding criminals be punished.

The groups clashed for three hours until Pattani Islamic Committee chairman Waeduramae Mamingji arrived. He encouraged them to end their protest. He said the three had been detained for questioning only and assured them they were unharmed and well treated.

The protesters agreed to end the demonstration.

Relatives of the detained men were allowed to visit them at a military camp. However, a group of 200 Muslims gathered outside the Ingkayuthaborian camp during the visit.

The group of mostly women and children covered their faces with black headscarves. They again demanded the release of the men.

The brief protest ended when the visiting relatives emerged and reported they had agreed to allow the legal process to run its course.

Pattani Governor Panu Uthairat said most of the protestors were outsiders organised by militants to create trouble.

Officials said the use of women and children in protests was an emerging militant tactic.

The Nation