You might be surprised as to the level and competency for these folks to rule themselves.
Though, I really suspect that the majority of the everyday population of the four southern provinces would prefer to remain part of Thailand.
Contrary to popular notions regarding the myth of breaking free, most would prefer to remain Thai.
It's the handful of extreme militants and revolutionaries that receive the attention and ado, therefore creating this backdrop of what is considered to be the majority mindset. That's not the way the true situation is at all.......the rebellious few do not speak for the vast majority.
For decades, these affairs have been overblown, exaggerated and misinterpreted by numerous circles creating false narratives to as what is and what isn't.