"We have agreed to the talks, if Malaysia will help us figure out the right group [to talk to] so that we can produce a practical outcome," the premier said.

Kasturi Mahkota, the foreign affairs chief of the Patani United Liberation Organisation (Pulo), a long-standing separatist movement, issued a statement from abroad saying it welcomed reports about possible dialogue - but preferred the talks to take place in a "neutral and uninvolved third country".

Pulo has also suggested that an international mediator be part of the discussions to ensure transparency and credibility.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi offered to help mediate between the insurgents and the Thai government during his visit to the Kingdom this past week.

Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, however, issued a statement on Wednesday saying there was no plan for any mediation that would necessitate such a request.

Surayud yesterday declined to say whether the negotiations would take place soon, and which specific group would attend. "It's a general idea with no details. We don't want to talk about rice with mango growers," he said.

The violence continued yesterday, with an explosion in Yala injuring six border police on patrol.