Muslim separatists in southern Thailand have stepped up attacks on symbols of the Buddhist state since early 2004. Analysts warn the conflict could escalate and attract international Islamic extremists.

• More than 3,000 killed
• Monks and teachers attacked
• Peace drive making no headway

Decades-old political grievances have rekindled violence in the south, with militants claiming the central government discriminates against Muslims.

Civilians thought to be co-operating with the government have also been targeted by separatists.

The government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra responded with force, imposing an emergency decree to boost its powers in the region and cracking down hard on suspected insurgents.

Thaksin was ousted in a coup in September 2006 led by Thailand's first Muslim army chief, initially raising hopes that tensions in the south would ease. But a peace drive by the army-appointed government met with little response, as militants stepped up attacks.

SECURITY
Number killed since Jan 2004	More than 3,000
RELIGION
Buddhists (percentage of population in Thailand)	94
Muslims (percentage of population)	4-5, concentrated in south (NI World Guide 2005/2006, UNDP)
POVERTY
Percentage of population living in poverty (2002)	Whole country: 9.8 Bangkok: 0.5 Southernmost provinces Yala: 27 Pattani: 20 Narathiwat: 34 (Thailand Millennium Development Goals Report 2004)
MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE
Maternal mortality rate in three southernmost provinces	Around double the national average of 24 per 100,000 live births (Thailand Millennium Development Goals Report 2004)