Thai PM 'to reach out to Muslims', denies claims of pinching, prodding soon after

"Thailand's new Premier Surayud Chulanont has said he will use peaceful means to try to resolve the Islamic insurgency in the country's south.

Speaking after a meeting in Malaysia, Gen Surayud said he wanted to reach out to Muslims in the troubled region.

His comments signal a different approach to the hardline stance taken by his predecessor Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup last month.

The southern violence has claimed more than 1,500 lives since January 2004." (more) BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Thai PM 'to reach out to Muslims'