The Thai military apologized for the murder of four Muslims in Pattani, Southern Thailand, which sparked outrage by human rights groups and Muslims.
The military acknowledged that the four Muslims shot dead by soldiers on Sunday were civilians with no connection to the armed movement in the Muslim region.
"If our soldiers are found wrong, they will face sanctions and apologize," said Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha. He added that the victims' families will receive compensation and justice.
Four Muslims were shot dead Sunday by Thai troops for allegedly being members of a resistance group. The military commander, Prayuth Chan-ocha, apologized to the victims' families. He said the military was under pressure to respond after militants attacked a military base.
Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat are predominantly Malay-speaking Muslim provinces and became independent Muslim sultanates until they were annexed by Thailand a century ago.
So far, Muslims, who make up about 5% of the total population of the Kingdom of Thailand, have complained about discrimination by the Bangkok government. More than 4.000 people have died since the outbreak of armed Thai Muslim resistance for independence eight years ago. (Mel / Onislam.net). *
