Thai junta-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has reportedly said:

It is confirmed that the separatists were able continue their attacks and raids because they were funded by the Thai Tom Yam Kung network of restaurants. The restaurants, big and small, collected the money through blackmail and demands for protection fees from local businessmen and channelled the sum to the separatists

Thanks to Patiwat for the tip-off about this fishy development.