A United Nations expert on extrajudicial killings says he would like to visit Thailand to investigate last month's deaths of 87 Muslim protesters.
Philip Alston said he is deeply concerned by the October 25 incident. He said a visit to Thailand would allow him to speak with those involved and to recommend ways to bring peace and stability to the region.
Thailand has not responded to Mr. Alston's request.
Meanwhile, Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej warned that the country could fall into ruin if the violence in the south does not end. He urged security forces to better cooperate to deal with the region's turmoil.
Hundreds of people have been killed since January when an insurgency flared up in Thailand's three Muslim-majority southern provinces.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.