Yala (AsiaNews) – Two soldiers were killed today and another three injured in a bomb blast in southern Thailand that underscores obstacles in the way of a peace process there. This process has been described as a priority by the government that emerged after a military coup d'etat.

The blast went off on the n.410 Baetong-Yala road in Bajor, shortly after an agreement was reached with around 300 Muslim protesters, mostly women and children. They were calling for the removal of around 40 border police officials who had their 3201 base there. All those stricken by the blast had formed part of the group that conducted negotiations.

The protesters, many donning black veils, gathered outside the Baan Bajaw school, which was burned down two days ago, to prevent government officials from carrying out their investigations. The protest was sparked by the death of Isma Sama, a neighbour, who was shot after his son, Abdulau, a suspected insurgent, was released. The protesters were convinced that Isma was killed by border police responsible for the area and called for their transfer.

Karun Supakitnilaekakarn, deputy Yala governor said: "We tried to build up understanding and an assured reliance to the villagers to help solve the problem. I promised them to bring justice for victims with their help to confirm the information. The move of the frontier policemen was allowed to avoid the expansion of the protest."

Chuan  Leakpai, president of the Democratic Party, cautioned that the government "should be careful in withdrawing charges in 92 cases related to the Takbai tragedy, which should be based on the law (those who did wrong should be punished). Thus Thai law would be applied to all Thais regardless of their religion. Otherwise in the future even Buddhists might request that charges against them be withdrawn."

But the army commander, Sondhi Boonyartakalin, believes "we are going in the right direction". Meeting journalists, he said: "Sporadic episodes of violence happen, because some young Muslims have not yet understood the message properly. But I am convinced the situation will improve gradually."