Article 40

WASSANA NANUAM

The army has requested help from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and forensic experts in the hunt for key separatists in the deep South.

The move comes as questioning of suspects reveals militants are being paid as much as 50,000 baht for each kill.

Fourth Army commander Lt-Gen Pisarn Wattanawongkeeree said yesterday special quarters were being arranged for the investigators in Ingkhayuthaboriharn army camp in Pattani province.

There were intelligence reports that about 100 million baht had been transferred from abroad to separatists in Thailand and that recipients spent the money not only on the separatist movement but also for their own benefits.

``I have warned many religious leaders and academics who own Islamic schools and other schools which accept foreign donations that the money can reach those who stage incidents,'' he said.

Questioning of more than 300 separatists who surrendered and 70 who were arrested reveal that those causing violent attacks were receiving higher rewards.

The payment for the murder of a policeman had risen from 20,000 baht to 50,000 baht, a soldier or a government official from 10,000 baht to 20,000 baht and a villager from 5,000 baht to 10,000 baht.