A Thai scientist working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) in the US has suggested that Thailand use a military spy satellite to tackle the insurgency in the deep South. Kongpop U-yen, who has been working for Nasa since 2004, believes the equipment would help save the lives of hundreds of soldiers and police combating militants in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, the three southernmost provinces which have been marred by violence for over two years.

The country has so far not been able to solve the problems in the South and the authorities have only been able to arrest a few leading members of the separatist movement. The 28-year-old scientist said the identities and whereabouts of most of the ringleaders were unknown.

The authorities had so far not been able to arrest the militants straight after they had committed their crimes, he said.

''High technology must be applied, particularly a satellite. The armed forces ought to have their own satellite. A military satellite would likely be more useful to them than a commercial one, particularly when security is concerned,'' said Mr Kongpop, who is currently in the country to receive an award from the faculty of engineering at Chulalongkorn University.

He said a military satellite could be used to monitor movements in villages located in so-called ''red areas'' and in the homes of suspected militant leaders. It would even have the ability to zoom in and read a car licence plate number.

A satellite could also be used to check on various areas before soldiers are sent out on patrol. Using a satellite, once an incident takes place, the authorities could examine the area and keep track of militants fleeing from the area.

''It's worth the investment, considering the fact it could help save the lives of hundreds of police and soldiers,'' he said, adding that the cost of a military satellite would be between 5 and 10 billion baht. ''I think it's time for the armed forces to allocate more budget for hi-tech equipment. Aside from the insurgency, a military satellite could also be used in the suppression of drug trafficking and deforestation. We should have one of our own and it should not be acquired via lease to maintain national security.''

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