The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is scheduled to visit the southern border provinces of Thailand during May 8-11, Deputy Prime Minister Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapa said here on Wednesday.

Local media INN quoted Gen Yuthasak as saying that the OIC secretary-general will go down to the Muslim-dominant provinces in the Deep South to meet with authorities and people in the areas.

The deputy PM also instructed officials concerned to step up security in the South as he was afraid that instigators might possibly take this opportunity to incite violence.

OIC is an international organization consisting of 57 member states with an aim to safeguard the interests and ensure the progress and well-being of Muslims.

Thailand is not a member but has become observer state of the organization since 1998.