Rights-abuse claims in South to be probed, says PM

Leading a high-level group of officials, Abhisit was on a one-day visit to Pattani and Yala, his first since assuming office a month ago.

He was joined by a newly formed special commission of ministers charged with drafting a new law to replace the emergency decree.

"We come today to learn about the situation and problems in the South and hold discussions with all the authorities involved," Abhisit told reporters following a meeting at Sirindhorn military base in Pattani.

The Cabinet agreed on Tuesday to extend the emergency decree for another three months to April, the 14th extension since it was first imposed in 2005.

"Basically, the emergency decree is still needed. Now we are looking to draft a bill to replace it," Abhisit said, adding that his government was determined to solve problems in the South.

'NEED FOR JUSTICE'

About 200 people welcomed the prime minister on his arrival in Pattani yesterday morning, offering flowers and locally made handicrafts.

Rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday accused Thai security forces of using "systematic" torture on suspects in the South, saying in a report that four people had been tortured to death.

"That needs to be investigated," Abhisit said. "We have sent an official to coordinate with human-rights groups. The government must solve the problem while considering human rights so the insurgents will not be able to exploit that issue."

The PM said he had instructed local officials to allow more participation by local residents in government work and to avoid creating conditions that would encourage "the opposite side" to attack the state's work.

Abhisit said the government would consider the restive region's struggling economy as well as its distinct culture and the need for justice in attempting to end the insurgency.

"The work of solving the unrest problem must be carried out by the entire government. It can't be tackled by security officials alone," he said.

After speaking to reporters, the premier visited two communities by helicopter. At the first, 1,000 people turned out to welcome him as he visited a village Buddhist temple and a mosque.

Earlier in the day, Abhisit arrived in Pattani to attend briefings on the region's general situation by Army commander-in-chief General Anupong Paochinda and Fourth Region Army commander Lt-General Pichet Wisaijorn.

The premier and his entourage left Bangkok's military airport yesterday morning by C-130 military aircraft to an air base in Songkhla.

Among the Cabinet members accompanying him were Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut, Transport Minister Sophon Saram and Social Development and Human Security Minister Witoon Nambutr.

National police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the defence minister's younger brother, was also in the entourage.