1 reply to this topic

[Gene]

"Malaysia denied a claim by Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont that a network of Thai restaurant franchisees inside Malaysia are funding southern insurgents in Thailand.

According to the New Straits Times, Deputy Security Minister of Malaysia Fu Ah Kiow described the allegation by Gen Surayud as "baseless."

"It is very imaginative of him,” Mr Kiow said. “It is absolutely baseless. These restaurants are owned by Malaysians and Thais," he was quoted as saying.

Gen Surayud said yesterday a network of Thai restaurant franchisees called "Tom Yam Kung" operating in Malaysia had helped fund the separatist insurgency in Thailand's deep South.

PM Surayud said financial resources come from cash donations from the restaurants coupled with protection money extorted from businessmen in the region by gangs of separatist sympathizers."

http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=114387

[Sexpat]

"Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin Thursday seemed to play down the claim by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont that tom yum kung restaurants had been pressured to into funding insurgents in the deep South.

When asked whether the army intelligence units had verified the information, Sonthi, a Muslim, replied that the issue had to be viewed with an understanding in the Islamic religious teachings.

He said a teaching required Muslims to donate parts of their income as merit-making money.

"And the donations could be used for anything and could be channelled to anywhere. I can't tell where the donations will go," Sonthi said."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30019753