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Key figure in Thai insurgency dies in Malaysia
 [Bangkok Post] Masae U-seng, a key figure behind the separatist insurgency in southern Thailand, has died of tuberculosis in hospital in Malaysia, a security source said yesterday. Masae, from Narathiwat province, died in Kuala Lumpur on April 30. The source said his body was buried in Malaysia.Masae held a top position in one of the six militant groups under the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN). He also served as leader of the rebel youth group, and he opposed the idea of peace talks being held between Thailand's government and the Majlis Syura Patanai (Mara Patani) umbrella group in Kuala Lumpur. In 2004, Masae was charged with rebellion and racketeering after security officials searched his home and Samphan Witthaya religious school where they found documents about the 'seven-step ladder' theory believed to be a master plan for the insurgency in southern Thailand. Masae is thought to be the creator of the plan. The source said Masae's death was not disclosed earlier for fear young members under his care would be upset. He added Abdulasis Salae, a former teacher who is secretary-general of the BRN, has replaced Masae. Abdulasis was one of nine suspects arrested in Thailand on rebellion and racketeering charges. He later jumped bail and escaped to Malaysia. Also among the nine suspects was Mazukri Hari, head of Mari Patani who represents the group in peace talks with the government, which stalled recently when the Thai negotiating team declined to endorse the terms of reference. Posted by: ryuge 2016-05-13 |
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