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Thaksin Shinawatra must speed up the peace process to prevent further tragedy in Thailand’s troubled south Media Statement by  Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew (Kuala Lumpur,  Wednesday): DAP is very concerned with the latest casualties in Southern Thailand. At least another 84 lives were sacrificed on last Sunday in Thailand’s troubled south. 113 were killed in last April’s upheaval, barely six months ago. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must seriously take steps to initiate a peace accord with the Thai Muslims in Southern Thailand to prevent further violence and upheavals in his country. 78 of the total 84 died of suffocation in the packed army trucks, according to the Thai authority. These deaths could have been avoided if the Thai authority have handled the unrest with a humanistic approach and have exerted more care. Thaksin’s administration should refrain from taking highhanded approach to resolve the disputes between its government and certain Muslim quarters in the country. One cannot rely on violence to curb violence. Thaksin should know that ASEAN and the rest of the world do not want to see another blood bath in the region. The Malaysian government has expressed its concern and willing to offer whatever help that the Thai authority deems fit. Other ASEAN nations should also step forward to offer their help in the interest of regional peace and harmony. (27/10/2004) * Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, DAP International Secretary and NGO Bureau Chief