Thailand's queen has expressed concern about mounting violence in the kingdom's Muslim-dominated south and is loath to see it broaden into major religious strife, a government spokesman said Tuesday.
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was told of Queen Sirikit's concerns, the second time the revered royal family has conveyed its sentiments about the south to Thaksin since late February, spokesman Jakrapob Penkair said.
"Queen Sirikit has told him to tell the cabinet that she does not want to see the situation in the south turn to religious conflict because the problems stem from some groups who have bad will against the government," Jakrapob told a press briefing.
Thaksin, who visited the south recently after a disastrous uprising by Muslim rebels left 108 insurgents and five security forces dead, relayed the queen's concerns to the cabinet, the spokesman said.
"Thaksin said the queen told him that whichever measures are used (to solve the crisis), do not let people believe these problems are based on religious conflict," Jakrapob said.
Thailand's southern provinces have been rocked by a series of attacks since January which have left dozens dead, including government officials, security forces, and even Buddhist monks.
Officials of the predominantly Buddhist nation have largely blamed the violence on Muslim groups involved in a longstanding separatist movement, with some analysts saying the groups have links to regional terror networks.
Fears of mounting sectarian violence grew Monday after bomb blasts rocked three Buddhist temples overnight in the south and a policeman was shot dead.
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