Muslim leaders and residents in the restive far South say a proposed curfew aimed at curbing the ongoing violence would only make matters worse.
Safi-in Jehloh, chairman of Narathiwat Islamic Committee, said he disagrees with a plan to impose a curfew in targeted areas to tackle the security problem.
A curfew would not be effective and would hinder residents' ability to earn a living, he said.
"Local people will be forced to suspend certain activities like going to funerals or performing religious activities outside of their homes," he said.
The idea to impose the curfews in limited areas in the deep South was floated by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung on Wednesday.
He pitched the idea after two shootings in Yaring district of Pattani and Krong Pinang district of Yala.
The deputy prime minister will discuss the proposed curfew with security officers on Friday.
Abdul-ahsi Jehmamah, the committee's vice chairman, urged the government to rethink the curfew.
"[A curfew] could be disastrous. It could lead to more problems," he said.
Abdulloh Solaeh, a resident of Pattani, where the curfew is being considered, said the measure would disrupt certain groups of workers such as rubber tappers.
The government needs to be clear about the details and conditions of a curfew if it is introduced, he said.
"[A curfew] goes against the locals' daily routines. Some have to leave very early for work or for morning prayers," he said.
Mada-oh Maming, another resident also opposed the idea.
"How are we supposed to make a living? A lot of people in Pattani work at night," he said.
Defence Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat had also disagreed with the proposed imposition of curfew, saying that it was unnecessary and that officers should focus more on law enforcement.
ACM Sukumpol's remark irked Mr Chalerm, who heads the government committee working on ending the violence in the far South.
Mr Chalerm said on Thursday that ACM Sukumpol had no place to comment on the matter.
He said ACM Sukumpol should take over the job if he thinks he is able to do it better.
ACM Sukumpol yesterday played down Mr Chalerm's comments. He said he respected Mr Chalerm's seniority and did not mind the deputy premier's take on the matter.
Debating the matter is fine, he said. "There are no hard feelings."
The defence minister also denied that he disagreed with the proposed curfew.
ACM Sukumpol said the pitch has received mixed reactions and all of the different opinions should be considered.
If the relevant authorities decide to impose the curfew, "then so be it", he said.
"We are in Bangkok and don't see much of what is happening there.
"The 4th Army Region commander should know what is best for the region," he said.
Meanwhile, Krong Pinang police station chief and his deputy have been transferred to inactive posts following the recent spate of violence in the area.
The latest case involved the shooting of four fruit merchants on a local road in Krong Pinang district on Tuesday.
Superintendent Pol Col Metha Singhasena, and Pol Lt Col Adinan Isma-aeh, his deputy, were reassigned to Yala provincial police bureau on Thursday.
Yala police chief Pol Maj Gen Peera Boonliang said the transfers would increase efficiency in police work.