Muslim group from southern Thailand denies supporting IS

A Muslim group called Sheikhul Islam Office (SIO) from southern Thailand denies providing financial support to the terror organization ISIS.

With this, the SIO responds to reports that the Thai police have been informed by Australia about groups in southern Thailand that would sympathize with IS. Deputy Chief Commissioner Srivara said earlier that there is no evidence of active and/or financial support for IS in Syria

Financial support is given, but it goes to refugees and aid workers, says director Zakee of the Council for Humanitarian Networking of the SIO. He says the council always informs Thai security services about money matters involving Muslims in Syria. This involves sending food, clothing, medicines and other necessities of life. To ensure that these end up in the right place, they work together with, for example, 'Doctors without borders'. According to Zakee, Thai Muslims work closely with anti-IS organizations. It is therefore unlikely that they support IS.

A representative of the council in Pattani confirmed that no money is going to terrorist groups because violence does not fit within the Islamic faith. The fundraisers and charity events are there to help other Muslims around the world.

Srawut Aree, involved with Chulalongkorn University's Muslim Studies Center, points out that even the insurgents in the Deep South want nothing to do with IS extremism. Muslim Thais who travel to Syria, he says, do so to provide humanitarian aid.

Source: Bangkok Post