BANGKOK - Thailand today said it wanted neighbouring Malaysia to capture and extradite the suspected leader of a Muslim separatist movement blamed for a flare-up of deadly violence in the kingdom's south.

"I would like to ask for the extradition of Masea Useng, the leader of the separatist movement, as a Valentine's Day present," deputy prime minister responsible for security Chavalit Yongchaiyudh told reporters.

Chavalit admitted it was unclear whether the suspect had even been captured in Malaysia, where Thailand believes several people have escaped after launching a campaign of violence in the deep south on Jan 4 with a raid on a military depot that killed four Thai soldiers.

"I believe that if Malaysia is our true friend they will extradite him to Thailand, depending on whether he has already been captured," Chavalit said.

Thailand's three Muslim-majority southern provinces have been wracked by violence in the past month.

Following the raid on the depot, about a dozen police officers, government officials and Buddhist monks have been murdered, several in drive-by shootings, stabbings and slashings which have put the region on edge.

Thai authorities have fumbled in identifying who is behind the attacks, variously blaming bandits, underground business elements and mujahidin before claiming that Muslim separatists were responsible.

Boycott

A separatist movement has rumbled on for decades in the south, but analysts say gangsters operating under the mantle of Islamic separatism are becoming more active, supplanting the remnants of the old-time militant organisations which have become fractured and ineffective.

There is also concern that local rebels are teaming up with outside groups such as the regional militant outfit Jemaah Islamiah.

Bangkok has been criticised by Muslim leaders for how it has handled the crackdown on violence, and the religious figures said they have refused to cooperate with authorities until they are allowed to meet with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Chavalit brushed off the recent boycott by local leaders in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces, but warned that a prolonged lack of cooperation could further deepen the crisis.

"We understand why they were angry, but they should not severe ties," Chavalit said. "A boycott could create a gap for a third hand to interfere." - AFP