Exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was instrumental in convincing separatist groups especially the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) to join the peace talk process, according to the Juwae.

Forensic science work in the three southernmost provinces was given a shot in the arm with the reinstatement of Dr Porntip Rojanasunant as the director of Forensic Science Institute by the National Council for Peace and Order.

For most outsiders, the three southernmost provinces are a dangerous zone prone with seemingly endless violence perpetrated mostly by militants.

People in Bangkok and the rest of the country with the exception of the three southernmost provinces and some districts of Songkhla may not be familiar with Martial Law which was imposed on Tuesday May 20 by the army.

The Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation has warned the Thai state not to overestimate the success of its re-education programme under Article 21 of the Internal Security Act to enable Islamic militants to turn a new leaf.