Originally they simply wanted to left in peace, in the 2006 report by the National Reconciliation Commission the list of demands were for recognition of their language, culture and religion, the sticking point was language, the Thai Privy Council's response was "in Thailand there is only one language and that is Thai", that was the end of sensible dialogue. Since then there has been a shift to a more hard line stance with some of the separatist groups talking about independence. There is no wish to be part of Malaysia, and Malaysia wouldn't really want them. It's complicated by the fact there is no single organisation that speaks for the people, rather there is an array of disparate groups which often fight each other. Much of the trouble is to do with control of the smuggling routes, and the significant revenues they generate; that's smuggling everything from simple petrol, booze & cigarettes to guns, drugs and people.
