Islamic schools in the region are under close scrutiny

Their statement followed a raid on an Islamic school which they denounced as heavy handed.

Police said they were pursuing two men suspected of attacking an army sergeant on Friday night.

The string of recent attacks in the area have been blamed by Thai officials on both Muslim separatists and bandits.

"Government operations have destroyed the creditability of religious leaders and institutions. The Muslim communities will not provide further co-operation unless the government stops such thug-like measures," the statement of the Islamic committee in the southern province of Pattani said.

SOUTHERN THAILAND Home to most of Thailand's 4% Muslim minority Muslim rebels fought the government up to the mid-80s Area beset by poverty and poor relations between local communities and officials Thailand wakes to separatist threat

Defence Minister Thamarak Issarankura said he had "instructed officials several times to conduct searches openly", but admitted that "this time they looked fierce and it became an issue because police drove armoured vehicles into the school".

He said Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh would travel to the south for talks with the Islamic leaders.

According to the Associated Press, hours after the attack gunmen shot dead two officials in neighbouring Yala province - Madahoh Madeeyoh, a 42-year-old assistant village headman, and Daho Nama, a 44-year-old government worker at a medical clinic.

Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces are home to most of Thailand's six million Muslims, who make up about 4% of the population.