BANGKOK, Dec 20 (TNA) - A large-scale investment firm has shown aninterest in palm oil related-businesses in Thailand's violence-affectedsouthern Pattani Province, according to the provincial governor.

The planned integral project involves a palm tree plantation of more than100,000 rai (2.5 rai = 1 acre), a palm oil producing factory and anelectricity generating plant, Pattani’s governor, Cherdpan Na Songkhla,told TNA.

If the project is completed, it will create more than 1,000 jobs, and willhelp stimulate the growth of other businesses in the province, Mr.Cherdpan said.

The investor recently discussed the project with the Pattani’s governor.

Pattani’s economy has been hard hit by the wave of violence that has sweptacross Thailand’s three southern-most provinces of Patani, Narathiwat andYala since the beginning of the year.

There have been more than 700 casualties as a result of the series ofattacks on government officials and local residents. (TNA)