Malaysia's extradition of a Thai man linked to a Muslim insurgency shows relations between the two countries have improved, Thai Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon said today.

Hamzah Mat Saud, who has been charged by a Thai court over a bloody 2004 raid on an arms depot in southern Thailand, was handed over to Thai authorities late Thursday in the southern province of Songkhla.

Hamzah was among 131 Thai Muslims who fled across the border to Malaysia on Aug 30, citing insecurity and fear of persecution by the Thai government.

Their flight triggered a furious diplomatic row between Thailand and mainly-Muslim Malaysia, which insisted that the group should not be forced to return, particularly if their safety could not be assured.

Positive action

"We have seen progress yesterday. One person has been handed over to the Thai authorities yesterday, there was a warrant for his arrest," Kantathi told reporters on the sidelines of a regional meeting here.

"That shows close cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand," he said. "What happened yesterday was very positive for the relations between Malaysia and Thailand."

Kantathi, who at the height of the row in October declared he had stopped speaking with Malaysia, said Thailand would "welcome back" the remaining 130 Thai Muslims.

"We guarantee their safety but of course it is on a voluntary basis. If they are ready to come back, we stand to ensure their safety. If they are not ready to come back, then it is up to them."