Thailand's army is blaming Islamic militants for Monday's attack on a mosque in the southern province of Narathiwat, near the border with Malaysia. Unidentified gunmen forced their way into the mosque during evening prayers and opened fire, killing 11 people.

Local residents say the attack was the work of Thai troops but army chief General Anupong Paojinda says militants staged the attack to bring the authorities into disrepute and to create a climate of fear.

In recent years, Muslim separatists have been waging an armed struggle against the Thai government.