Police gunned down machete-wielding militants who attacked several security outposts.

More than 100 insurgents and five police personnel died in the bloodiest day of fighting in Thailand's troubled Muslim-dominated provinces of Yala, Pattani and Songkhla.

It is not clear if those who carried out the attack have links with international terrorists.

Did you witness the events? What do you think is behind the recent upsurge in violence?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of the opinions we have received:

It is misguided of the Thai government to play down the insurgency claiming that it is banditry, presumably to calm fears of potential tourists. They would be more reassured by a realistic approach being taken to what is clearly a problem related to the status of the Muslim minority in Southern Thailand.
Keith Rowland, Jakarta, Indonesia

I do not venture out after sunset as it is too dangerous Paul Williams, Pattani, Thailand

I have been teaching English here for 2 years and have now handed in my notice. The area is not safe. The whole of Southern Thailand will I feel become a volcano waiting to explode, more so after recent developments. The Prime minister knows full well that these attacks are militants but yet still says they are groups of robbers and drug dealers. I hope tourists will consider their safety before coming here as it is certainly not safe in this region. I do not venture out after sunset as it is too dangerous. Hence the reason for moving.
Paul Williams, Pattani, Thailand

What's disturbing is Khun Thaksin's denial about what's causing the problems. He says it's the work of "drug addicts." But according to Thaksin a few months ago, he eradicated all drugs from Thailand! No mention of separatists or economic problems southerners may face (I'm not sure how it's different from other regions in Thailand). His inability to deal with serious issues like this will affect Thailand for years to come.
Brian, Bangkok, Thailand

Mr. Martin (below) lamented the targeting of schools. He like most clearly don't understand that Muslim extremists are very threatened by these schools. They are co-ed and teach things that are contrary to Muslim beliefs, they see them as socializing (read brain washing) young Muslims to be Thai and submit to non-Muslim law and a non-Muslim (infidel) way of life.
josef cohen, BKK Thailand formerly UK

If only more countries would follow the effective action taken by the Thai government, the world would be a more peaceful place to live in. The Thai government has sent a clear message to the terrorists that no matter where they are, the soldiers will hunt them down. No place is out of bounds for the soldiers.
Yee S.K., Singapore

This is one of the saddest and most terrible days in Thailand's history Methee Akkaraittikul, Bangkok, Thailand

I still can't believe what happened here. Without a doubt, this is one of the saddest and most terrible days in Thailand's history. I saw it all on TV and, of course, it was very touching considering the fact Thai people were killed by compatriots in the bloodbath. We now have no idea on who carried out the condemnable attack in the south (either international terrorists or Islamic militants), but whoever did this must be finally punished.
Methee Akkaraittikul, Bangkok, Thailand

Put together a few commomn ingredients. Disaffected unemployed youth, lack of opportunity, disparity in investment between cities and the rural areas, extremes of wealth and poverty side by side, seductive advertising, add a few opportunistic fundamentalist mullahs and what do you get - rampaging mobs who don't really know what they want, but they want it now.
Peter, Germany

Most of the current Thai leadership is extremely affluent, Buddhist and Bangkok-based, which means that they are out of touch with poor Muslim southerners. Many of their policies (which were enacted before the events in the South transpired) reflect their disinterest in the South.
For example, the current Thai government has spent less money than previous governments to the develop the Muslim South. It has also eliminated cultural acclimatization courses for Thai Buddhist officials and security forces working in predominantly Malay Muslim areas. These short-sighted policies combined with Thailand's support for US foreign policies, and growing Islamic fundamentalism as taught to many Thai Muslims studying in the Middle East have all contributed to the current mess which we are now seeing.
Ravej, Bangkok, Thailand

The people of South East Asia are a very tolerant group of people Malcolm Lee, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I think there should be a joint global effort in dealing with international terror groups such as Jemaah Islamiah. The people of South East Asia are a very tolerant group of people, and for centuries we have lived side by side with those of different religion. It's time to deal with these bigots.
Malcolm Lee, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This response was appropriate. If more countries responded decisivly with force, there would be fewer radical Islamic attacks. It may force them to use more peaceful means of protest if they know violence will only lead to death, and not a "holy" death.
John Bellotte, Ramstein AB, Germany

The Thai government should consider the Muslims from the south as full citizens of Thailand not as second citizens of Thailand. The Thai Government would not have killed these Muslims from the south like that if they considered them to be part of the Thai people.
Khin Su Shein, Burma

I think the recent violent incident in Southern Thailand's three provinces and the worst yesterday is not the work of a Muslim separatist movement. I think it was the work of a few political figures in Bangkok. These political figures in Bangkok have not been satisfied with the policy by the prime minister Thaksin in regards to the reform in Thailand.
Dharam Chand, Chandigarh, India

Islam does not encourage radicalism or violence Khairul Khalid, Gopeng, Malaysia

Contrary to popular views, Islam does not encourage radicalism or violence. These people happens to be Muslims, similar to the IRA, and Basque Separatists. Does Christianity encourage violence? No, I don't think so. Most of these movements are based on nationalism. If you're unsure, read the Quran and learn Islam. Peace.
Khairul Khalid, Gopeng, Malaysia

I have lived all my life in Thailand and have found my country to be peaceful without any communal, racial or religious violence. I am deeply saddened by the events that have occurred. We always knew that in the south there was some tensions but never expected it to erupt into something so big. For me, my country of Thailand has always been a role model for peace. I as a Muslim have never felt threatened in my country in any way even though Thailand is a Buddhist country. Islam & Buddhism are religions of peace. Unfortunately, we have these insurgents believing in the devil and then taking the name of Islam.
Asvin Master, Bangkok, Thailand (Currently in Switzerland)

I think Muslims are fed a message of radicalism and are expected to foster violence in the name of their religion. If Islam is the religion of peace as it claims to be then what do these insurgents believe in?
Charles, Montreal, Canada

It must be the US fault somehow.
Aaron, USA

I am very worried about my fellow Malaysians who live in the north. I think people in the South Thailand should see us as a role model, where we respect one another's religion and live in peace and harmony.
Soo Ting Chung, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

These were poorly communicated 'coordinated attacks' Patchara Tongkaew, Thailand

I have read CNN, ABC News and BBC News. Your report is mostly close to the fact. These were poorly communicated 'coordinated attacks.' The consequence attacks did not know of the failure of the previous ones. So, they failed like a dominoes.
Patchara Tongkaew, Thailand

I think youth in those troubled areas are unemployed and poverty ridden. They are easily influenced by evil forces.
Aaron, Brunei

I am going to sound clich� but still I am going to say it. Muslims are not secular by nature . Any Muslim majority province in a non-Muslim/secular country which is contiguous in a Muslim country will face a problem of insurgency. Thailand is no exception.
Vishal Mann, Michigan, USA

Your comments sadly seem to be somewhat one-sided. Your use of "Many observers" and "alienation felt by Thailand's Muslim minority" seem to look at one point of view only. It wasn't long ago when a five year old boy was blown to nothing by these same people at Hat-Yai railway station and over the last few weeks tens of totally innocent teachers and children have been brutalised in the name of an Islamic state. All these people want is the freedom to kill and frighten. Thailand is a very tolerant country and Thais do not look down other religions, unlike a number of their Muslim compatriots in the South. Look into the history of these events more closely before defending the murderers again.
Colin, Bangkok, Thailand

It all comes down to the insincerity of the Thaksin government Anchalie, Yala ,Thailand

It seems that Khun Thaksin is trying to divert attention. Within our communities it is very obvious that people are fed up with the government. Community leaders have been kidnapped and have been found dead, lawyers were kidnapped by the police and most government officials do not understand the local language here. Where the government of Chuan tried to establish good links, Thaksin believes that he can buy off the Southern Population. It is bad enough that we have to be scared as Buddhists here, but in the end it all comes down to the insincerity of the Thaksin government and the police towards the Muslim population. What is going on is not the average youth gangs attacking, it is organized and well organized. Who is behind it? No idea but we all know that a lot of money is involved and that foreigners are involved.
Anchalie, Yala ,Thailand

The attacks are a result of a number of problems, the first problem being the lack of financial aid/support from Bangkok given to the three most southern provinces (excluding Songkhla), this was addressed earlier in the year when PM Thaksin pledged money for roads education etc.

Secondly there is deep mistrust from local residents who feel cut off from Bangkok both in culture and economically. Thirdly, heavy handed government tactics since January have increased the problems. Thai Rak Thai are not known for sitting down and talking things through, they like immediate results.

A Fourth point is the "sheep" mentality of a lot of people living in the provinces, they need little encouragement to go out and look for trouble, and the fact that the people who are causing the trouble are treated with respect by many elders only heightens the willingness to cause trouble. Gangs, and the willingness to follow gang leaders blindly by members is evident throughout Thailand. In this case the gangs are youths armed with guns and knives attempting to cause havoc (as compared to students running riot in BKK, or gangs of youths racing motorbikes)at police and army locations.

Let's hope to a swift end as a result of mutual agreement and understanding, the south of Thailand is blessed with natural beauty and wonderful people which should be enjoyed by all.
Jim, Songkhla Provincial City, Thailand.

Recent developments have increased the tension in the area Steve Morgan, Songkhla Thailand

I live here in Southern Thailand and the situation is very tense. People are worried about attacks and where they will take place. Unfortunately the recent developments have increased the tension in the area. Tourists are staying away and going to other countries for their holidays. Every time people venture out beyond the large towns they are frightened of being attacked or held up by militants. Innocent people are being killed daily by armed men who go around on motorbikes picking their victims. Only last week a rail worker was shot near where I live as he was closing the line for an approaching train. Myself and family are considering moving back to UK if the situation continues like it is.
Steve Morgan, Songkhla Thailand

I lived and worked in Pattani & Hat Yai briefly 8 years ago. I have good friends that live there, so I'm very concerned about them. I feel saddened that schools are being targeted- it shows a definite lack of moral judgement in those that are carrying out the attacks. There were bombings at the time in Pattani when I was there, so it doesn't surprise me that it's continuing. Hopefully Thaksin can put together some sort of plan to help reunite the region.
Michael Martin, Takikawa, Japan

This is just one of many attempts around the world to de-motivate and eradicate the Muslim population within countries.
a Muslim, London

A concerted global effort by extremists, ignited by appalling US policy is the problem. They haven't got a foreign policy, except when it comes to Israel. Disastrous, and will only get worse.
Gerry Basham, Fareham, UK

Westernisation goes against many of the local people's core beliefs Rob Abercrombie, London, UK

Having travelled in the region recently, I found the southern Thai nationals very family orientated, friendly and welcoming. However, I could see that the highly westernised areas surrounding Phuket, which are slowly spreading south, are having a detrimental effect on the local people's view of the western world. The Phuket province is being turned in to an 80's Benidorm with a significant portion of 'sex tourists'. 'Westernisation' goes against many of the local people's core beliefs and goes a long way to breeding a sentiment of dislike of the 'fat and rich' westerner. As such, it is no surprise to see the growth of militant factions. The problem needs to be resolved by stricter controls by the Thai government on maintaining it's own, albeit suppressive, heritage of it's southern peoples and a more responsible attitude from western visitors.
Rob Abercrombie, London, UK

As an Englishman resident in Thailand for many years, and with both Buddhist and Muslim friends, I am horrified by recent events in the South. Most Thais rightly pride themselves on their moderation and tolerance. From the early 1980s until a few years ago, a difficult situation was dealt with sensitively by the authorities, and the few Islamic militants had been successfully marginalised. It is clear that the situation has since been seriously mishandled by recent Thai governments and their appointed local administrators. It is hard to know how many militants are now active. Perhaps foreign elements are involved, but they would have had no support in the environment that existed 10 years ago.
Tim Bolshaw, Bangkok Thailand

I saw it on TV, it is really terrible. How could this happen in Thailand
big, Thailand

I feel things are on a downward spiral here Beth, Narathiwat, Thailand

I am a Scot, newly living in Narathiwat. There has been no major violence here in Narathiwat town, however, the level of police and army presence is worrying. Everywhere you look, men in uniforms carrying guns. During Sonkran the place was a ghost town, the resident Thais too afraid, it seemed, to celebrate. I am a teacher here and no-one knows when school will resume. I feel things are on a downward spiral here. Let's hope I'm wrong.
Beth, Narathiwat, Thailand

I am currently travelling around the world, and my next stop is Thailand. I can't help but wonder if there is any danger for western tourists visiting the area.
Dave Wooldridge, Brighton UK

I think the Thai Government has totally mismanaged and misjudged the situation in the south of Thailand
Alex Pape, Bangkok, Thailand