An insurgency in the deep south near the Malaysian border has raged since January, with near-daily shootings of officials and security forces, bombings of police stations and markets and other attacks leaving more than 320 people dead. Thai officials, analysts and Muslim religious figures have stressed that socio-economic development of the region and more respect from central authorities was vital to help stem the violence.Last week a government spokesman said the talks would focus on solving the violence, with Thaksin to present Abdullah with new information on the attacks and measures to quell the unrest. The Thai premier had also announced a shake-up of security forces in the country’s south after Thailand’s respected queen complained about the continuing separatist campaign.Deputy government spokeswoman Sansanee Nakpong told AFP the two leaders addressed security issues on a general level but that specific details on tracking down militants would be addressed at another session on Thursday.Thailand and Malaysia agreed to create a “smart card” in August in a joint effort to better monitor people holding dual nationality, which Thailand alleges allows Muslim militants to come and go as they please. Full Story
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