Thailand can quash insurgency by year-end: foreign minister

Asked if he is confident of bringing peace in 2010 to the region which has been under a state of emergency for almost five years, Kasit said: "Yes, yes, yes. Under our administration."

He explained that the Thai government is pouring financial resources into the development of the region, while working closely with the armed forces to bring about stability.

Externally, Thailand has also been receiving help from countries including Gulf states, Malaysia and Indonesia on the issue, he said.

"Various foreign leaderships have been telling the Muslim minorities of the citizenship of Thailand to behave as good Thai citizens," he told journalists in Geneva.

"Everyone is helping us to bring about peace and security down south," he added.

"So, yes, there is a sense of optimism," he added.