Thai army chief refutes claims of cultural persecution in southern provinces

[webfact]

 

The Chief of the Fourth Army Region, Santi Sakuntanak, refuted accusations that the Thai army has been legally pursuing youths from the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat for merely donning traditional Malay attire at a fair celebrating Malay culture.

The 54 year old clarified that those summoned to court were implicated in separatist activities and prominently exhibited the emblem of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN), a separatist movement.

 

“Allegations of these youths being persecuted for celebrating their culture are baseless. In fact, we have previously organised a Malay costume contest at the fair with no objections. This demonstrates our support for the local people of the far South in proudly expressing their cultural identities.”

Simultaneously, the army chief urged those spreading misinformation about the youth to cease their actions.

 

by Mitch Connor 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08

 

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[stoner]

most of the people in the 3 southern provinces are not culturally thai. 

[flyingtlger]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Allegations of these youths being persecuted for celebrating their culture are baseless

[herfiehandbag]

Just can't help it, can they!

[bamnutsak]

When clothing is deemed dangerous - by the Military overseers - you know you're on the wrong side of history.

 

 

[mikebell]

Next to face charges: those with extreme haircuts; tattoos; limp wrists; big noses.

[Srikcir]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

In fact, we have previously organised a Malay costume contest at the fair with no objections.

"we" as in the Thai military?

[Emdog]

2 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

When clothing is deemed dangerous - by the Military overseers - you know you're on the wrong side of history.

 

 

Taliban are back in power, fwiw