Stung by allegations that Malaysia could be providing shelter for south Thailand militants, Gerakan vice-president Dr S Vijayaratnam today called on Thai authorities to take responsibility for the adverse developments and not shift the blame to Malaysia.

"It is unfortunate that the Thai government continues to insinuate that criminals and terrorists who have created havoc in the southern part of the country (can) find safe haven in Malaysia," he said in a statement.

"It is completely out of order to suggest that, after committing despicable and destructive acts, these undesirable elements stroll across the border with considerable ease and take refuge in Malaysia. They have even gone on to suggest that terrorist activity is planned here."

Vijayaratnam said the "innuendoes" are uncalled for as Malaysia does not condone lawlessness and has worked hard at checking potential domestically.

"It would appear that the Thai government is unable to handle the situation within their borders. Hence they find it fit to shift the blame onto others," he said.

The row was sparked off last week after Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinnawatra claimed that militants responsible for a spate of bombings in south Thailand had escaped to Malaysia.

This led to strenuous denials by Malaysian leaders, who said the government and security forces had no knowledge of any militants seeking shelter here.

Heavy-handed response

Meanwhile, International Movement for a Just World (Just) president Chandra Muzaffar urged Thai authorities to step up on its efforts to identify those responsible for the instability in southern Thailand as well as their motives.

While no party can pinpoint the root causes of the conflict, Chandra said the heavy-handed measures employed by the Thai security forces have also contributed to the tensions.

He said Thai deputy prime minister Chaturon Chaisang had acknowledged openly on April 2 that the killings, torture and kidnappings of residents in southern Thailand by government agents had fuelled the violence.

"That is why it is all the more important for the Thai government to act immediately and effectively to bring down the tensions, stop the bombings and the killings and restore peace and stability," he said.

Since the first targetted bombings occurred in Thailand in early 2001, the number of attacks have been gradually stepped up even as Thai armed forces increased their presence in the four southern provinces.

Although initially blamed on southern Muslim separatists, Thai authorities have since said that the attacks could be due to various other groups, including criminals, international terrorists and disgruntled former army officials based in the area.

However, local groups said the violence has also spiralled due to resentment over the armed forces' heavy-handedness in dealing with the attacks. Relations between the army and the southern Thai population has long been fractious due to region's historical separatist tendencies.

Pressure on the Thai government to deal with the security problems intensifed following the bombing of the first civilian target in the tourist town of Sungai Golok two weeks ago which injured 28 people, seven on whom are Malaysians.