No End In Sight As South Thai Rebellion Enters Fifth Year

[Scott]

Thanks SJ. That is a huge number of teachers not showing up. It might have been more helpful to know how many actually did show up. Of course, with 70% of the students absent, you don't need a lot of teachers.

I have a feeling that there is precious little education that is occuring in those schools to begin with. This of course, can have a profound effect on folks in the future when you have a particularly uneducated group of people, high unemployment and not many jobs anyway. This conveniently puts them in the hands of the insurgent groups.

[sriracha john]

Thai policemen and soldiers inspect a body after an encounter with militants in Thailand's Narathiwat province, south of Bangkok, July 13, 2008. The encounter left a suspected Muslim militant dead, police said.

REUTERS

[Scott]

For a brief time, it looked like it might settle down a little. Not the kind of settling down that necessarily signals a change, but at least the kind that happens with these groups when they take a 'breather' and regroup. Guess I was wrong.

[sriracha john]

It definitely doesn't seem be settling down now... with the shootings... and killings... even up into Songkhla province...

1 paramilitary trooper killed, another injured in Songkha ambush

Songkhla - A paramilitary trooper was killed and other injured when their patrol unit was ambushed here by insurgents Monday morning.

The attack occurred while six paramilitary troopers were patrolling a road in Koh Laenang village in Tambon Pakbang of Thepha district at 8 am.

The two side exchanged gunfire before the insurgents retreated.

- The Nation / 14-07-08

[sriracha john]

it was a bomb in Songkhla... and the soldiers were, once again, attempting to protect school teachers... as well as another bomb in Narathiwat...

Bomb kills paramilitary ranger, wounds soldier in Songkhla

SONGKHLA, July 14 (TNA) - One Thai government regional force ranger was killed and a Royal Thai Army soldier was wounded in a bombing in rural Songkhla Monday morning while they were on duty providing security for teachers.

The bomb exploded in Thepha district, killing locally-recruited paramilitary ranger Sulgiblee Salaemae and wounding Pvt. Thammarat Putthakan who is being treated.

Both men were patrolling the area to provide security for teachers from Baan Kohlaenang School.

Meanwhile, in Narathiwat, a bomb exploded on a road in Cho Ai Rong district before military soldiers, riding motorcycles, arrived at the site of the bombing. No one was wounded in the incident.

Police conducted searches near the bomb site and found an underground hiding place and illegal drugs at the house. The owner was detained for questioning.

Pattani, Zone 1 Education Area Office director Somnuek Meesaeng said officials beefed up security at the school and escorted teachers, who were travelling to school after 13 schools in Nongjik district reopened on Monday after the schools closed following an attack on a military truck, which was busing students to school on July 7.

[sriracha john]

The already bad problem for schools continues to get worse...

Staff flee Songkhla school

All 11 teachers at a school in Songkhla's Thepha district moved out of the area yesterday after a bomb blast killed a ranger volunteer assigned to protect them. Korlaenang school suspended classes indefinitely after the attack. The 11 teachers went to work at a school in Muang district instead. Sonjai Viboonkit, Director of Songkhla's Education Zone 3, said the teachers at Korlaenang school feared for their lives. The 150 students were sent home and their parents advised that classes were suspended. The bomb, planted near a power pole, went off about 7am as a patrol of six rangers on teacher escort went past. Volunteer Sulkiblee Salaemae, 30, was killed and patrol leader Thammarat Phuttakan wounded. Last month 70 people were killed and 76 others injured in 83 violent attacks.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/150708_News/15Jul2008_news08.php

[papajohn]

The already bad problem for schools continues to get worse...

And the beat goes on! Muslim Madness is barbarous

and inhuman everywhere. Cowards all of them. I can only compare them to cockaroaches and even that is an injustice to roaches. Lowlife personified.

Staff flee Songkhla school

All 11 teachers at a school in Songkhla's Thepha district moved out of the area yesterday after a bomb blast killed a ranger volunteer assigned to protect them. Korlaenang school suspended classes indefinitely after the attack. The 11 teachers went to work at a school in Muang district instead. Sonjai Viboonkit, Director of Songkhla's Education Zone 3, said the teachers at Korlaenang school feared for their lives. The 150 students were sent home and their parents advised that classes were suspended. The bomb, planted near a power pole, went off about 7am as a patrol of six rangers on teacher escort went past. Volunteer Sulkiblee Salaemae, 30, was killed and patrol leader Thammarat Phuttakan wounded. Last month 70 people were killed and 76 others injured in 83 violent attacks.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/150708_News/15Jul2008_news08.php

[sriracha john]

and now the two biggest police stations in the entire area... together when when mixed with the "Invasion of Cambodia" in the East at the same time...

Seven injured in blasts at police stations in southern Thailand

Thailand: Seven people were wounded Wednesday when bombs exploded outside two of the biggest police stations in Thailand's South, where a separatist insurgency is raging, police said.

The bombs exploded Wednesday morning outside the main police stations in the key regional towns of Pattani and Yala, police said.

Seven people, including three police, were wounded in the Pattani blast, which exploded in the heart of the region's most important town, police added.

The blast in Yala damaged the gate to the station, and appeared coordinated with a smaller blast that went off almost simultaneously in a local transport office, police said. No one was injured in the Yala blasts.

The bombings marked a rare attack in the downtown districts of key towns in the region along the southern border with Malaysia.

The explosions came one day after Thailand extended emergency rule over the region, where 3,400 people have died in four years of unrest.

Emergency rule gives security forces sweeping powers of search and seizure and broad immunity from prosecution, but human rights groups say it creates a climate of impunity that worsens the conflict.

- AFP

Edited July 16, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Suspected insurgents shoot worker in Yala

Shooting in the restive South continued Friday, a day after three Muslim men claiming to be leaders of separatist insurgent groups in the far South announced a ceasefire in a video screened on Channel 5. The victim, identified as Somporn Kaewmanee, 27, was shot in the morning when he was working in a rubber plantation in Yala province. His left wrist was wounded, and he was

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128925

[sriracha john]

Shootings continue in southern provinces

The third violent attack since Thursday's ceasefire announcement took place yesterday in Yala's Raman district. Kuea Choochom, 47, was shot in the torso by a passenger on a motorcycle while he was riding his own motorcycle home. Two other shootings, also in Yala, took place on Thursday and Friday.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/200708_News/20Jul2008_news010.php

[sriracha john]

and on and on and on and on and on it goes...

Bomb Blast Wounds 11 In Thailand's South

YALA, Thailand (AFP)--Ten police officers and a villager were wounded Monday when a bomb exploded in Thailand's far south, where a bloody separatist insurgency is raging, police said.

The 3-kg bomb was detonated by mobile phone and exploded on a road leading to a village in Yala, one of the three Muslim-majority provinces beset by violence in the Buddhist-majority country.

Three of the policemen were seriously injured and remain in hospital, local authorities said.

In a separate incident, police said four suspected rebels on motorbikes shot dead a 34-year-old village chief in Narathiwat province as he headed home from a local government meeting.

More than 3,400 people have been killed since separatist unrest broke out in January 2004 in the south, which was an autonomous Malay sultanate until Thailand annexed it in 1902, provoking decades of tension.

Authorities have made little progress in identifying the militants, who rarely claim responsibility for the attacks.

Hopes for a resolution to the conflict were briefly raised last Thursday when a group claiming to be behind the violence announced a ceasefire.

But the declaration was greeted with widespread doubts by the military and veteran insurgent leaders.

[Scott]

So much for some folks credibility.

[sriracha john]

10 police, 1 civilian injured in Yala bombing

Yala - Ten policemen, including a deputy station chief, and a civilian injured when insurgents detonated a bomb to ambush the officers rushed to inspect a fruit orchard apparently damaged by the insurgents.

The explosion occurred at 11:45 am on a roadside in Moo 6 village in Tambon Kayubokoh of Yala's Rama district.

The owner of the orchard, Somjit Chairatmanopakorn, was also injured.

Earlier the day, Somjit filed complaint with the Raman district police station, saying fruit trees in his orchard were felled.

Pol Lt Col Amphai Chumchuay, deputy commander of the police station, led his subordinates to inspect the scene. Ampahi was among the officers injured in the explosion.

Police said the bomb weighed about 5 kilogrammes.

- The Nation

[Scott]

I am not very computer saavy and don't know how to provide a link, but I believe the BKK Post yesterday reported a soldier killed and 5 hurt in an ambush. I believe it was on page 5.

I guess this 'new group' advocating peace has a ways to go before they are up to speed and carry any influence with others.

[sriracha john]

Yala increases security following reports of insurgent acts

Governor of Yala Theera Minthrasak stepped up security following reports that insurgent groups would create violence in the province.

Theera said he has asked all relevant units, including the military, the police, and the administrative, to work together and draw the civil sector to take part in safeguarding communities more. The Governor said most people in the province have provided good cooperation for the authorities by arranging shifts of security guards to patrol villages and government places around the clock.

The Governor has also instructed security units to closely monitor movements by adolescent groups in the province who may work for insurgents. Moreover, he said the province has continuously organized activities to boost people’s confidence and expressed his confidence that the unrest situation will improve if all sides cooperate in resolving problems of their community.

- ThaiNews (today)

[sriracha john]

and in this morning's happenings...

Insurgents attack police station in Pattani

About 10 insurgents opened fire onto Sai Buri police station in Pattani on Saturday morning, police said. There are no reports of injuries. Two police buildings plus a police vehicle were damaged. According to police, insurgents dressed in camouflage used heavy weapons to fire onto the station before fleeing away. They believe the insurgents are seeking revenge against them after an insurgent was

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129083

[NanaFoods]

a bit more on the teachers in the South...

Teachers quit school

Three teachers want out of Yala's Ban Mahae School after insurgents killed its director last week, a senior teacher says.

Sapi-ing Lenu, acting school director, says the school reopened yesterday. It has been closed since insurgents killed director Veera Meunchan.

The atmosphere was subdued and only 70 per cent of its 300 students showed up. 21 teachers stayed away.

Teachers Jongjai Janthong, Maliwan Sanguankul and Aree Jitsuriwong want out. They are scared for their lives. They've been temporarily transferred to the Yala Education Office until they can find permanent positions.

- Daily Xpress / July 11, 2008

===================================================

I would hazard to presume for a government school of that enrollment size, that 21 teachers constitutes a majority of the faculty.

This is a major goal for the Islamists - wipe out all secular education and replace it with Islamic indoctrination - basically opening the door to brainwashing children into their extremist-fascist views.

It takes indoctrination at the earliest of age to create the most violent, barbaric, and immoral culture on Earth.

[Plus]

Of course it can be turned around and still be pretty much on the spot.

"This is a major goal for the Secularists - wipe out all Islamic education and replace it with Secular indoctrination - basically opening the door to brainwashing children into their extremist-fascist views.

It takes indoctrination at the earliest of age to create the most violent, barbaric, and immoral culture on Earth."

This is exactly what they did to their Christianity, and, in Thailand context, this is exactly what they want to do with their ethnic and religious minorities - strip them of their identity, make the uniformly "Thai".

[Jai Dee]

Narathiwat bomb squad uncovers 15 kilogram explosive

A special explosives retrieval unit in Narathiwat province this morning dispatched officers to salvage an explosive device buried in the entrance of the Baan Brija (บ้านบริจ๊ะ) School in Rue Soh district of the province. Authorities spent over 15 minutes retrieving the device and discovered that the bomb weighed almost 15 kilograms and was fitted with a cellular detonation device.

Police theorize that the device was to be detonated during the passing of military personnel protecting teachers of the school.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 July 2008

[TAWP]

Of course it can be turned around and still be pretty much on the spot.

"This is a major goal for the Secularists - wipe out all Islamic education and replace it with Secular indoctrination - basically opening the door to brainwashing children into their extremist-fascist views.

It takes indoctrination at the earliest of age to create the most violent, barbaric, and immoral culture on Earth."

This is exactly what they did to their Christianity, and, in Thailand context, this is exactly what they want to do with their ethnic and religious minorities - strip them of their identity, make the uniformly "Thai".

Indeed, and one of the flaws with rot learning and nationalistic overtones in the Thai schools here.

No-one is saying either side is good. But one side seems worse than the other when it comes to instilling ideas of violence against the other...

[papajohn]

Narathiwat bomb squad uncovers 15 kilogram explosive

A special explosives retrieval unit in Narathiwat province this morning dispatched officers to salvage an explosive device buried in the entrance of the Baan Brija (บ้านบริจ๊ะ) School in Rue Soh district of the province. Authorities spent over 15 minutes retrieving the device and discovered that the bomb weighed almost 15 kilograms and was fitted with a cellular detonation device.

Police theorize that the device was to be detonated during the passing of military personnel protecting teachers of the school.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 July 2008

15 Kilo bomb, thats enough to take out a city block !! Where are these terrorists ( I refuse to call them sepratists or insurgents) getting this amount of C4.

The police are playing this down. This device was intended to take out the entire school and anyone nearby. Just try to imagine that your child was in that school. Todays news on BBC and CNN shows what these "people" are doing in other countries, India, Turkey and of course Iraq. They are using their brainwashed people as well as western technology to convert everyone to the rule of Islam and Sharia Law by terror.

The quotes from their bible, "The Quran" are on a diffrent thread,

" Southern insurgets announce ceasefire" What a joke. it

will give you insight about these "people", hard for me to call them "people". They are a cancer-virus to any country where they can promote Islam by any means. Always remember that you are an infidel when they look at you!! Chok Dee.

.

[NanaFoods]

Of course it can be turned around and still be pretty much on the spot.

"This is a major goal for the Secularists - wipe out all Islamic education and replace it with Secular indoctrination - basically opening the door to brainwashing children into their extremist-fascist views.

It takes indoctrination at the earliest of age to create the most violent, barbaric, and immoral culture on Earth."

This is exactly what they did to their Christianity, and, in Thailand context, this is exactly what they want to do with their ethnic and religious minorities - strip them of their identity, make the uniformly "Thai".

Complete rubbish.

How many secularist suicide bombings or beheadings have you read about lately?

Are you completely insane or just grossly ignorant?

I am not a Christian, but what the hel_l does Christianity have to do with Islamic terrorism and barbarity?

You make no sense. Is logic even in your repertoire?

When you speak of stripping ethnic identity.... Mahadhammarakkhita and Maharakhita introduced Buddhism to Thailand during the reign of Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century BC. (http://www.kammatthana.com/thai_buddhism.htm)

Islam with its Arab supremacism came to Malaysia and Indonesia, by force naturally, in the 12th century. (http://www.barkati.net/english/#14), and then spread to Southern Thailand.

Not that religion has anything to do with ethnicity, mind you.

But just who is stripping who of their identity?

Islam imposes Arab dress, Arab language, Arab ritual, Arab culture, Arab food restrictions, Arab customs, Arab superstitions, and all Muslims must face towards Arabia when praying. If this isnt Arab supremacism, then what would you call it?

My experience with Thailand is that the "authorities" really dont care about religion or creating a homogeneous culture. They do care about keeping Thailand peaceful and quiet, and enticing for tourists. Muslims and Islam don't seem to fit well into this goal, with their constant bombings, beheadings, and all.

Don't you agree?

Edited July 29, 2008 by ChefHeat

[Scott]

Whoa boys, I think there is some validity in both your points. There is a push and pull factor that go on with these situations. The trick is to get people to want a more peaceful way and to be a part of a larger group--in this case the Thai nation.

On the other hand the Thai nation has to be willing and able to incorporate groups that are 'different' into their nation (and to a lesser extent culture). In spite of the politeness and warmth of the people, they really don't allow for this very well. The society is very structured and exclusive. To be Thai, you must BE Thai and these people aren't Thai according to the "real" Thai people.

Secular education has to made much more available and much less nationalistic. Economic opportunities need to be provided, especially to the young males who are easily led into the insurgency. The gov't also has to hold the culture in the highest regard--the people have to decide on their own to let negative aspects go.

[NanaFoods]

Whoa boys, I think there is some validity in both your points.

What validity do you think there is in the statement made by Plus?

Of course it can be turned around and still be pretty much on the spot.

"This is a major goal for the Secularists - wipe out all Islamic education and replace it with Secular indoctrination - basically opening the door to brainwashing children into their extremist-fascist views.

It takes indoctrination at the earliest of age to create the most violent, barbaric, and immoral culture on Earth."

Are secularists shooting up and burning down schools in Southern Thailand?

Anywhere on Planet Earth?

Please.... tell me if they are!!!

We all know how barbaric those darned evil Secularists can be!!

Oh, this just in.... The Dreaded Secularists gun down a school principal...

which instigates the closing of 55 schools in Southern Thailand.

Link to Story

[papajohn]

Whoa boys, I think there is some validity in both your points. There is a push and pull factor that go on with these situations. The trick is to get people to want a more peaceful way and to be a part of a larger group--in this case the Thai nation.

On the other hand the Thai nation has to be willing and able to incorporate groups that are 'different' into their nation (and to a lesser extent culture). In spite of the politeness and warmth of the people, they really don't allow for this very well. The society is very structured and exclusive. To be Thai, you must BE Thai and these people aren't Thai according to the "real" Thai people.

Secular education has to made much more available and much less nationalistic. Economic opportunities need to be provided, especially to the young males who are easily led into the insurgency. The gov't also has to hold the culture in the highest regard--the people have to decide on their own to let negative aspects go.

Well thats it then, problem solved ! Did you have a nice dinner and drinks with your mates to celebrate

your thoughtful solution. Thats what they do at the UN. Since you are a teacher there is a golden opportunity for you to put your plan into action. I hear there are many openings at schools in Yala.

If you go to Thai Immigration and tell them you want to teach there, they will welcome you with open arms .Please keep us posted on your progress. Chok Dee.

[Scott]

Well, I used to work for the UN and no I don't have a solution to the problems in the South, but I also don't discount everyone elses idea.

[NanaFoods]

Well, I used to work for the UN and no I don't have a solution to the problems in the South, but I also don't discount everyone elses idea.

Does this include equating Secularists with Jihadists?

[Scott]

I think I've upset some folks that I really don't mean to upset. I don't equate jihadists and secularists. In the education front, I am against religious education, but that said, I don't know that outlawing it works--it simply drives it deeper underground.

Thai schools are so full of nationalism, from the curriculum down to daily activities and this is also harmful, especially in sensitive areas such as the South. The thing is that the gov't needs to license, control and inspect these schools. This includes on-sight inspections and checking on what is being taught and by whom. They also need to tone down the nationalistic rhetoric in areas such as the South.

The key is to start moving a lot of people a little more to the center.

[ace]

I think I've upset some folks that I really don't mean to upset. I don't equate jihadists and secularists. In the education front, I am against religious education, but that said, I don't know that outlawing it works--it simply drives it deeper underground.

Thai schools are so full of nationalism, from the curriculum down to daily activities and this is also harmful, especially in sensitive areas such as the South. The thing is that the gov't needs to license, control and inspect these schools. This includes on-sight inspections and checking on what is being taught and by whom. They also need to tone down the nationalistic rhetoric in areas such as the South.

The key is to start moving a lot of people a little more to the center.

Well, chok dee Scott, but I suspect there's a majority who think, as I do, that the UN is just a joke, a big, fat white elephant entirely incapable of meaningful action. And woolly-headed "inclusiveness" policies just won't cut it this time.

[NanaFoods]

I think I've upset some folks that I really don't mean to upset. I don't equate jihadists and secularists. In the education front, I am against religious education, but that said, I don't know that outlawing it works--it simply drives it deeper underground.

Thai schools are so full of nationalism, from the curriculum down to daily activities and this is also harmful, especially in sensitive areas such as the South. The thing is that the gov't needs to license, control and inspect these schools. This includes on-sight inspections and checking on what is being taught and by whom. They also need to tone down the nationalistic rhetoric in areas such as the South.

The key is to start moving a lot of people a little more to the center.

I am not offended by you or your statements in any way. I enjoy a good debate without getting emotional about... maybe sometimes passionate... but not emotional.

My hope is to enlighten people who haven't taken the time to understand the common ideology that drives the attempted land grabs and pushes for shariah law happening all over the world today. And to expose those who engage in apologetics for the bad behavior of these groups, who they know nothing about.

Poverty has nothing to do with it; that is merely an excuse. Most all of the major terror attacks have been performed by well educated Islamists; 9/11 terrorists were all well eduicated and some pilots. Remember the doctors in the UK?

The UK is in particular trouble with its blind multi-culti policies and constant Chamberlain style appeasement. 7 years after 9/11, and too many Westerner and other peaceful people havent taken the time to learn what drives these religious radicals.

However, I agree with your point on nationalism in Thai schools. It can facilitate attitudes of xenophobia and, perhaps, may even help perpetuate the double-pricing policies we see at the National parks and elsewhere (like house rentals that I've personally witnessed).

The ubiquitous, neverending (and repetative) presence of nationalistic Ad Carabao songs may also aid in these xenophobic attitutdes (maybe not... but sorry, I just can't stand any more Ad Carabao - yech! - please make it stop).