This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/11/thailand

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Militants kill five Thai police Militants kill five Thai police
(7 days later)
Suspected Muslim insurgents killed five policemen in Thailand's south on Wednesday in one of the most serious attacks since the stalling of talks between a major Muslim rebel group and the government aimed at ending nearly a decade of conflict.Suspected Muslim insurgents killed five policemen in Thailand's south on Wednesday in one of the most serious attacks since the stalling of talks between a major Muslim rebel group and the government aimed at ending nearly a decade of conflict.
"A special investigative unit was on duty when rebels opened fire on their car ... Everyone on the team died," a police official in the area told Reuters."A special investigative unit was on duty when rebels opened fire on their car ... Everyone on the team died," a police official in the area told Reuters.
It was not clear what the team was investigating at the time of the attack in Pattani province. "This appears to be an attack by local Muslim rebels to stir unrest," said another officer, Thanongsak Wansupha, deputy commander of Pattani police.It was not clear what the team was investigating at the time of the attack in Pattani province. "This appears to be an attack by local Muslim rebels to stir unrest," said another officer, Thanongsak Wansupha, deputy commander of Pattani police.
Thailand is predominantly Buddhist. Opposition to central government rule in the Muslim-majority provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat has existed for decades, resurfacing violently in 2004.Thailand is predominantly Buddhist. Opposition to central government rule in the Muslim-majority provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat has existed for decades, resurfacing violently in 2004.
Since then more than 5,200 people have been killed in the southern provinces. The government entered a peace process with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) rebel group this year.Since then more than 5,200 people have been killed in the southern provinces. The government entered a peace process with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) rebel group this year.
But bloodshed during a ceasefire for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan did little to bolster confidence in the talks which have stalled in recent weeks.But bloodshed during a ceasefire for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan did little to bolster confidence in the talks which have stalled in recent weeks.
The government has said it is reviewing demands submitted in writing by the BRN and the talks can resume next month.The government has said it is reviewing demands submitted in writing by the BRN and the talks can resume next month.
Wednesday's attack follows an explosion at a school in Yala province the previous day that killed two soldiers and wounded a child. The rebels see schools as symbols of central-government rule.Wednesday's attack follows an explosion at a school in Yala province the previous day that killed two soldiers and wounded a child. The rebels see schools as symbols of central-government rule.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox every weekday.