HUA HIN (Thailand) - Independence demanded by separatist groups in southern Thailand is not viable, but Thailand should offer a certain degree of autonomy to people in the predominantly Muslim region, said Najib Razak.

In separate interviews with Thailand's English dailies, The Nation and Bangkok Post, conducted during the 15th Asean Summit here, the Malaysian Prime Minister said demands for independence or secession was out of the question.

He said any demand on the Thai government must be within the Thai constitution.

"A lasting resolution is a question of trust  - trust and eventually winning the hearts and minds of the people in the south," said Najib, who is due to visit the restive region in December with his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva after their annual consultation in Bangkok.

Najib said some form of autonomy could be a solution to end the violence, adding that the Thai government could offer self-determination for people in areas that are important to them such as the selection of local leaders, employment, religion and education.

It's Thailand's decision

"It is Thailand's decision to consider how far such autonomy in the deep south should go, and Malaysia, as a neighbour, would not intervene in the matter. You may not want to call it autonomy but there could at least be some form of involvement," he said.

More than 3,600 people have died since armed groups resumed their campaign in January 2004, to seek independence for the Muslim-majority provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, which borders Malaysia.

Najib said that during the planned visit in December, he would expressed Malaysia's view that it would not condone extremists who break Thai laws.

"Look, you know you just have to be good Thai citizens. Don't expect Malaysia to back any violation of Thai law. You are on your own and if they (law breakers) come over, we will send them back," he told The Nation. - Bernama