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The policy aimed to serve the national interest, which is defined as reconciliation and unity, said government spokesman Dr Yongyuth Mayalarp.

From this year to 2011, Thailand would face a deep divide in political thought and people would be involved in a fierce struggle to impose their goals upon each other.

The struggle would affect the secu¬rity of national institutions, according to a policy paper pre¬pared by the National Security Council (NSC).

Violence in the deep South was also a main national secu¬rity concern, as was international terrorism, narcotics and illegal immigration, it said.

Global warming, natural disasters and the transborder spread of diseases were also included in the national securi¬ty concerns, the paper said.

Thai governments of whatever political hue from now on needed to create policies to engage with foreign countries, particularly in the Islamic world; to build confidence in the international community; and to bridge the gaps in the Kingdom amid changes in inter¬national politics.

Neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia must be a priority in foreign relations. Thailand's close neighbours needed to understand concerns here about its Muslim popula¬tion and new ways had to be found to tackle the insurgency in the deep South, the paper said.

Security was a major concern for the militaryinstalled gov¬ernment. In a recent meeting, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont instructed the NSC to set the national security policy for the next five years even though his government would cede power after the coming general election.

The government has also proposed an Internal Security bill, which is now under the consideration of the Council of State and the government's legal adviser.

The bill has received heavy criticism from civic groups for giving too much power to the Army chief.