Thailands troubled Deep South

In October last year, Friedrich Naumann Foundation and its partners Think Centre Asia (TCA) and the Prince of Songkhla University (PSU) finalised an 18-month project dedicated to supporting reconciliation in Thailand’s Deep South. So far, the conflict has cost the lives of more than 3700 persons and leaves the local population living in an atmosphere of mistrust, fear and mutual suspicion.

The project was funded under the “Instrument for Stability” (IfS) by the European Union and is titled: “Supporting Mutual Understanding and Strengthening Stability in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand”.

The publication gives an overview on the conflicts´ background and development over time. It points out the perspectives of the different conflict parties, trying to untangle the complex causes and consequences of the unrest in the region.

With more than 80% of the local population in the provinces Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, Muslims with ethnic Malay background are an important minority in Thailand’s mainly Buddhist-dominated society. However, compared to their Buddhist neighbours, people in the region bordering Malaysia feel treated as second class citizens by the Thai state. This has to do with their representation and participation in politics and the economy of the country as well as their historic cultural, religious and linguistic ties with Malaysia.

The displeasure with Thai state policies manifests itself in violent outbreaks on almost a daily basis. Bombs exploding in crowded areas, the disappearance of Thai state representatives or the wilful destruction of religious sites and sanctuaries are only few examples of the cruelties taking place in the region. Motives and the background of the insurgents remain largely unclear. What is clear is that the conflict is the result of centuries of discrimination and harassment of the Malay-Muslim minority through Thai state policies. The number of insurgencies dramatically increased since 2004 in response to the harsh military approach applied by former Prime Minister (PM) Thaksin to the Southern case. Repeated serious human rights abuses by security forces led to even more resistance against the Thai state among the local population. The unrest causes instability for the entire region and is at risk of spilling over to other provinces if no long-term solution can be found.

As a liberal foundation, FNF is dedicated to the protection of human rights in general and minority rights in particular. The promotion of non-violent approaches towards conflict resolution therefore was one of the major target achievements of the project. Education of the general public in and outside the conflict region has been an essential part of the project activities. In a series of workshops and seminars and through the use of different media types, concepts of diversity were promoted to further dialogue and mutual understanding between the different conflict parties.

Another project component dealt with the implementation of conditions that ensure an increased participation of the local population in Thai state politics, economy and society. Special emphasis was laid on the most vulnerable population parts in the region such as women and youth. Employment skill trainings, the organisation of community events or awareness campaigns on basic human rights are only few examples of the implemented activities.

Also, local key officials were educated on methods of conflict management and community development to strengthen cohesion and eliminate mistrust in the target region. The participatory approach underlying all project activities ensured the involvement of as many people, interests and viewpoints as possible. Such an approach is most likely to achieve improvements of the situation towards a democratic political decision-making process.

Although the project visibly helped to raise awareness about the difficult circumstances in the South and increased the level of political, economic and social participation of Thailands` Malay-Muslim minority, the conflict remains one of the countries most urgent problems to be addressed with constant effort.

Granting the local population a higher degree of self-determination and acknowledging their unique historic background could be first steps the Royal Thai government could take towards a peaceful long-term solution of the remaining tensions in Thailands Deep South. With this project, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation hopes to have helped paving the way for the different conflict parties to find common ground.

The full report can be downloaded here.

Juliane Schmucker