Source: The News International
http://jang.com.pk/thenews/jan2004-daily/11-01-2004/world/w3.htm
On January 11, 2004 The News International reported, "In a bid to choke off support for Islamic insurgents, Thailand’s prime minister on Saturday vowed to bring economic prosperity to the nation’s impoverished south and called on the nation’s Muslim minority to unite with the Buddhist majority. Speaking in his weekly radio address, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra acknowledged the south was riddled with lawlessness, even within government ranks. Thai prime minister promises economic prosperity for Muslim south in effort to end rebellion. Thaksin called for an end to religious divisions in Thai society. 'You are Thais. Regardless of your religions, you were born in Thailand. You must get together to bring a promising future to your children so they get out of poverty,' he said."