»Thai Royal family intervenes in southern conflict«

Thailand's revered Royal family has again intervened in the deepening conflict in the country's southern region.

Their intervention was an unexpected break with a long-held convention that the Royal family steers clear of involving itself publicly in politics.

King Bhumipol called on the security forces to work harder and together to stop the violence in Thailand's three southern provinces where almost 500 people have been killed.

King Bhumipol had already told Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to use more restraint after the mass suffocation of muslim protesters in the township of Takbi on October 25.

It is understood the troops responsible remain on active duty, pending the outcome of a government-controlled investigation.

Since then at least 30 mostly Buddhist Thais have been killed in apparent revenge attacks.