I wish to comment on the letter Thai clashes: Separatism not main factor.

I agree wholesomely with KHK that we should not put words into other people's mouths. One must never assume that separatism was the chief cause of the clashes that occurred in southern Thailand. There may be other factors involved.

One must neither discount the fact that seeds of separatism may have contributed to the incident also. Which is why it is imperative that a referendum should be held in the southern provinces of Thailand.

We must respect the peoples wishes. Let us stop making assumptions and trying to run other peoples lives on their behalf. Let them decide for themselves. I support a referendum for the people of Pattani.

Referendums have been used to solve disputes in East Timor, South Africa and Cyprus. Let us have a referendum for those provinces north of our borders as it is in our interests as well to achieve a just and lasting peace there.