Chetta's news surprises many, 'may be damaging'

Malipeng had tried to unify various separatist groups but failed because the members did not believe in his leadership, Anupong said. And after 1987 Malipeng faded away.

"Fundamentally, there is no negotiation with separatists. Only legal procedures can be taken in dealing with these men," he said.

Any attempt to strike a deal with the separatists was "unacceptable", Anupong said.

The Army chief said he had no prior knowledge about yesterday's announcement on Army-run TV 5.

"I was only told that Chetta wanted to talk about the violence in the South," he said.

Anupong said he informed Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej about the issue and considered this matter "unofficial".

Former Pattani senator Den Toemeena and other former colleagues said they were "surprised" by the announcement and that only time would tell if it was a hoax or not.

Army spokesman Colonel Akra Thiprote said the Army "played no role in the incident or any negotiation that led to the said ceasefire".

"We believe that it was the work of former Army chief General Chetta Thanajaro and his team," Akra said.

The ceasefire was supposed to take effect on July 14 but there have been some heavy attacks over the past two days. Seven people were hurt, including four police, when bombs went off at police headquarters in Pattani and Yala.

Human Rights Watch's Sunai Phasuk told The Nation Chetta's move could be damaging to what is already a fragile peace process involving secret dialogue with exiled leaders of long-standing groups and Thai authorities.

Chetta's credibility was on the line, Sunai said.

"Besides, there has been nothing to suggest that the militants on the ground would let up with their activities," he said.

Just hours after the ceasefire announcement, one soldier was severely wounded when his patrol unit was ambushed by militants in Tambon Krong Penang of Krong Penang district, police said.

The unit was patrolling Krong Pinang-Bannang Sata Road in Ruemu village on a pickup truck when au unknown number of men opened fire at them at 2:30pm.