Arrest warrants for Thai attacks

Muslims in the south are angry to be blamed for the violence

Thailand has issued arrest warrants for four men accused of carrying out recent attacks in the country's south.

Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh called them "ringleaders" behind the violence, which led to three provinces being put under martial law.

Thai officials have appeared divided over who was behind the raids, blaming both bandits and Muslim separatists.

Six people died in the violence, which included a raid on an arms depot and bomb attacks.

Police have linked the wanted men to Muslim separatist groups that have operated in the region for years.

There were identified by police as: Masae Huseng, Karim Kalumpung, Wae-ali Choper Vaki and Nasori Saesaeng, also known as Awae Kaelae.

SOUTHERN THAILAND Home to most of Thailand's 4% Muslim minority Muslim rebels fought the government up to the mid-80s Area beset by poverty and poor relations between local communities and officials Thailand wakes to separatist threat

The warrants accuse them of treason, armed robbery and associated crimes.

"It is quite clear that the people the warrants have been issued for were at the scene when the incidents happened," Mr Chavalit said.

He told reporters in Bangkok the men were believed to be hiding in Thailand.

Thai newspapers have suggested the attackers may have fled over the southern Thai border to Malaysia.

Thai officials and police have previously named groups such as Gerakan Mujahideen Islam Pattani (GMIP), which they have linked to regional militant network Jemaah Islamiah.

A BBC correspondent who recently visited the south says few local people believe separatists were responsible for the attacks, although they admit small groups are still operating.

Four soldiers were killed in the 4 January attack on an army camp in Thailand's southern Narathiwat province.

Simultaneously, 21 government-run schools were set on fire. Two police officers were killed in two bomb attacks that followed.