27 May NY Times - Thai Security Chief Vows a Tough Stand Against Muslim Separatists by Thomas Fuller.

Frustrated by an inability to pacify a Muslim insurgency and concerned about rising dissent toward their rule, Thailand’s generals have chosen a former commando and self-described assassin as their top security adviser.

The appointment this month of the adviser, Pallop Pinmanee, a retired general notorious for his harsh tactics but admired for his survival instincts, appears to be a signal from the military-backed government that its conciliatory approach toward Muslim insurgents in southern Thailand will change.

And recent statements from General Pallop and other leaders herald a repressive turn toward dealing with political dissent as well...