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The conflict in Southern Thailand has seen an explosion of violence over the last five years, with an estimated 3,500 killed as Muslim rebels and the Thai security forces struggle for control of the region.

Both sides have been accused of gross human rights abuses, with civilians often the target of killings and beheadings.

Notoriously secretive, the rebels rarely claim responsibility for their actions and are reluctant to talk to the media.

But our correspondent Step Vaessen broke through that veil of secrecy, speaking exclusively to a senior member of the guerilla movement.

In a special interview she also spoke to Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Thai prime minister, about his views on the conflict and his plans to bring it to an end.

This episode of 101 East aired from Friday, February 27, 2009.