FM Kasit: Heavy army's presence in south caused negative images

Pattani - Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said the high presence of the military in the three southernmost provinces could create a negative perception for the country because outsiders could view the region as an "occupied territory." While acknowledging security concerns in this violence-plague region, Kasit urged the governors of the three southernmost provinces and the Southern Boarder Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) to look for ways to help change that perception.

Taking part in the meeting were Thai ambassadors from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore.

 Local residents interviewed by....