Thailand’s peace process – All form, no substance

[snoop1130]

 

It may be that the Thai negotiators sitting across the table from the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) see them as easy pickings, but this low-hanging fruit – the Cessation of Hostility Agreement (COHA) — should be a cause of concern for the Malays of Patani, as it could legitimise more cheap ploys by the government, looking to make a quick score without thinking about long term investments in a meaningful and sustainable peace.

 

Even at the risk of sounding like cheap political rhetoric, all sides approached reduction of violence, or more to the point, a ceasefire, as something noble and good for the public. For Patani’s conflict resolution, however, one needs to understand that nothing comes easily.

 

“Civilian protection is the responsibility of all sides, the government and the rebels. People here should not have to wait for a ceasefire to feel safe.” said Rukchart Suwan, former president of Buddhists for Peace (B4P) and currently an advisor to the group. B4P’s help ensured that the Buddhist views in the region are not overlooked in the peace negotiations between the Thai Government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-peace-process-all-form-no-substance/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-26

 

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[zzaa09]

A piece of what....??

[Gottfrid]

Peace is easy! It´s Thai territory. Just throw in the military and seize all illegal weapons, and shoot all insurgents on the spot.

[fusion58]

Quote

...All form, no substance

Perfect all-around summary of the culture.

[Andycoops]

Just more meaningless mumbo jumbo as it's the same old, same old stuff that's been, sadly, going on for decades.

Thai, jaw jaw settles nothing.

[fdimike]

"Peace is easy! It´s Thai territory. Just throw in the military and seize all illegal weapons, and shoot all insurgents on the spot."  It just isn't that easy.  The Thai army & police have been down there for decades trying to keep the peace.  I believe the problem really lies with the Muslims who are unwilling to live in peace with their Buddhist brothers & sisters.  Their idea is that conservative Muslims only are to live in any particular village.   The same problems exist in many other countries around the world.   I've cycled (bicycle) through both Malaysian coasts all the way to Singapore.  The west coast is cosmopolitan with a mix of numerous cultures all living in harmony.  The east coast is completely different especially when approaching the Thai border where it turns very conservative Muslim.  There are several enclaves along the east coast which are cosmopolitan (Kula Terengganu,  Dungun, Kula Besut & Kuantan) as best I can recall.  the difference between both coasts are dramatic to say the least.