Furore over mock referendum could derail deep South peace moves

[webfact]

The first of a three-part series by Thai PBS World’s Political Desk analyses the latest disputes among political forces over the right to self-determination and the peace process in Thailand’s predominantly Muslim region.

 

The knee-jerk reaction of security agencies and ultra-right-wing groups against student activists and politicians who dabbled with the idea of holding a referendum on self-determination for the historic Patani state could threaten a peace initiative being prepared for the deep South by the government-in-waiting.

 

The Fourth Army Region and Forward Command of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) filed a lawsuit against a dozen students, activists, and politicians, accusing them of committing unconstitutional and criminal acts after a mock referendum on the right to self-determination in early June.

 

A group of student activists conducted the mock referendum during an event to launch their newly set up Patanian Student Movement on June 7 at Prince of Songkla University’s Pattani campus. They distributed a questionnaire asking the participants whether they agree with the right to self-determination and allow local residents in the restive South to hold a referendum on independence.

 

By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk

 

Top picture: Thai military personnel guards convenience stores damaged after an attack, in Cho-airong district in southern Thailand’s Narathiwat province, on August 17, 2022. (Photo by Madaree Tohlala / AFP)

 

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Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/furore-over-mock-referendum-could-derail-deep-south-peace-moves/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-29

 

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[Purdey]

People are always excited at the prospect of independence - until they get it. Then they come with their hands out.

[Srikcir]

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

People are always excited at the prospect of independence - until they get it. Then they come with their hands out.

You are aware of course that Malay Muslims were independent as a sovereign state known as the Kingdom of Patani. Great Britain had made a deal with Thailand to allow Thailand to annex KoP without any permission or public referendum by Malays in exchange for an exclusive trade deal of the area's resources.