U.S.: Thai PM looking to get his hand chopped off

In light of Muslim slaughter of Thai Buddhists which have been occurring in that country, the local Muslim community will interpret this move of of Shinawatra's as a mark of his weakness. Only response he should take? KAATN.

Bangkok, Thailand, Jun. 26 (UPI) -- Aides to Thailand's prime minister worked Saturday to form local committees in the southern part of the nation to help calm relations with Muslim groups.

Thaksin Shinawatra finished five days of meetings Friday with Muslim leaders from the southernmost Thai provinces, the Bangkok Post reported. Those leaders said there was a lack of trust in the central government.

In response, the prime minister said he would form panels of local religious leaders and teachers, district officials, the military and police in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces.

Those panels would evaluate local problems, work out resolutions and seek action against bad officials.

For his part, the prime minister urged Muslim leaders to take steps to ensure that mosques did not become centers for insurrection.