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Speaking through a translator, the spokesman announced an end to all violent attacks and separatist activities in the Muslim-majority region.

He added that any armed groups resisting the order would be considered renegades and could be eliminated.

"We want to see peace and stability in the region. All forms of attacks has come to an end," the spokesman said. Names of the leaders were unknown.

He said the ceasefire goes into effectively on July 14, 2008. However, the videotape was not broadcast until today at noon. The statement was aired today through Thai TV5, an Army-run station and TV 7.

But attacks in the restive region continue unabated with police headquarters in Pattani and Yala coming under bomb attacks this past week.

Former army chief and defence minister Chetta Thanajaro claimed credit for the so-called breakthrough.

Chetta said he has been carrying out secret negotiation with members of these eleven "underground" movements operating in southern Thailand and abroad.

Chetta said the decision was made "unconditionally" and the spokesman did not make any demands as to what deals, if any, was reached between the Thai state and the eleven groups he claimed to represent.

Hurman Right Watch's Sunai Phasuk said Chetta may have "jumped the gun" with the announcement but added that only time will tell.

"His credibility is on the line. Besides, there has been nothing to suggest that the militants on the ground would let up with their activities," Sunai said in a telephone interview.

Place of the recording is said by an intelligence official as in Germany.