Masae U-seng, a key figure behind the separatist movement in the deep South, has died of tuberculosis in hospital in Malaysia, a security source said yesterday.

Masae, from Narathiwat's Cho Airong district, died at an undisclosed hospital in Kuala Lumpur on April 30. His body was buried in Malaysia, said the source. The Thai army was last night waiting for confirmation of his death.

Masae held a senior position in one of the six insurgent groups under the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).

He also served as leader of the youth members of the insurgency group and opposed the idea of peace talks being held between the Thai 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 so-called seven-step ladder theory believed to be a master plan for the separatist movements in southern Thailand.

Masae was thought to be the creator of the plan. His death was not disclosed earlier for fear young members under his care would be upset, said the source.

The source added Abdulasis Salae, a former teacher who is secretary-general of the BRN, has replaced Masae. Mr 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 team declined to endorse the terms of reference.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by Assawin Pakkawan

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