Thailand has expressed its intention to seek assistance from the Malaysian government to tackle the problem of insurgent groups in the deep south.

This was conveyed by Thailand’s National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanathabutr who said there were requests made for Kuala Lumpur to act as a facilitator to help put an end to the conflict.

A discussion between Bangkok and the insurgent groups is seen as the best way to find a solution to the crisis.

The matter is expected to be discussed by Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during a meeting with Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Both leaders are expected to issue a statement on how they can cooperate to put an end to the conflict.

Thousands have died since the conflict first erupted in 2005 in three districts in Southern Thailand where the majority of its residents are Malay Muslims.