EDITORIAL

Despite promises, no progress in the deep South

The Nation

The insurgency in the region will not end until Thai officials accept the fact that the Malay-Muslims have an entirely different cultural heritage

BANGKOK: -- In 2007 the government of Surayud Chulanont signed a joint press statement with the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). It said they would work together to enable "the people of the southern border provinces to assume the responsibilities over their domestic affairs through a decentralisation process that allows the people to practise their own cultural and linguistic specificity and manage their natural resources in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand".

In the view of many stakeholders, it was a bold statement and the right thing to do, since it touched on the heart of the Malay-Muslim insurgency in the three southernmost provinces. Credit should be given to the then-administration for having the courage to acknowledge the historical, cultural and ethno-nationalist nature of the conflict.

The statement also made reference to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit, and noted the dropping of charges against 58 protesters arrested during the Tak Bai massacre in late 2004. That incident ended in the deaths of more than 80 people, 78 of whom suffocated because they were stacked on top of each other in the back of military vehicles.

Like it or not, the 2007 statement will eventually become the guiding principle for bilateral relations between the OIC and Thailand. While it is easy to say that the current government did not itself sign the joint communiqué, it is nevertheless an international norm that governments' successors must abide by agreements it signed, or refute them officially.

The Thai government, it seems, does not have the will to renounce the 2007 statement because it realises it was the right thing to do. Reneging on promises made to the Malays of the southernmost provinces will cost them little in terms of political capital. But at the recent OIC ministerial meeting in Djibouti, the organisation reminded Thailand that it has not forgotten about the promises made in 2007.

The OIC's complaint is that nothing has changed. And in its final resolution issued from Djibouti, which the Thai delegation tried hard to change, the OIC employed strong language, including phrases such as "meagre progress", to describe Thailand's contribution so far to what Bangkok promised five years ago.

The OIC also "regrets" the use of the Emergency Decree in the region, and notes the "limited progress" in introducing Malay as a language of instruction in public schools. In this regard, locals in the deep South describe the Thai state effort as preparing them for karaoke lessons - using the Thai alphabet in classrooms rather than Jawee (Malay written in Arabic script).

In its latest resolution, the OIC also notes the government's "mounting reliance on undisciplined paramilitary units accused of committing illegal acts", and warns of the consequences of "increasing ethnic and religious polarisation".

In the past, in an effort to bring peace to the troubled region, Thailand sought help from Muslim countries in Asean. But after five years of sounding like a broken record, the time has come for our diplomats to change their tune. The standard line among Thai officials is that the Malay-Muslim separatists and their supporters embrace a wrong version of Islam and teach a distorted version of Thai history.

The authorities don't seem to realise how arrogant that sounds - Buddhists telling Muslims how to practise Islam. Perhaps if our officials paused for thought and encouraged our society to come to terms with the fact that the Malays of Patani embrace an entirely different cultural and historical narrative from the rest of the country, it could be the beginning of a peaceful discourse. Until that happens, one can forget about seeing peace in the Malay-speaking South.

-- The Nation 2012-12-04

This "cultural heritage" seems to turn lethal for non-Muslims once the Muslims who embrace it reaches a certain number in population, does it not?

I don't know about The Nation, but the way I was raised suggests that you do not talk peace until the killing has stopped and one side surrenders. Moreover, you do not talk at all while there is blood on the streets and your citizens are being blown to bits by traitors and enemies to your Constitution who are doing this in your own back yard.

I know it sounds like a weak and ignorant view at present, but I am certain that in the future there will be more regret (looking back) over the military refraining from an all out expulsion of this virul "cultural heritage" and the "cultural heritage" murderous fanatics. I am certain that another large portion of regret will be over doing it the "politically correct" way and losing many more lives, in the long run, than an outright expulsion would entail.

But I think we have bred cowards for politicians these days. In the old days, this would not have been tolerated after one bombing. Cowards are afraid of being responsible for taking action. That is what politicians are today. They are of a soft and pliable mold. They are hand-picked for their defective thinking and sordid pasts, so they can be controlled with material pleasures. These sorry excuses for leaders all want to be heroes, but they don't want to take the risks that come with being a hero, and there are no guarantees in the beginning. They do not realize that heroes are made after the fact from those who acted courageously without any thought of what others might think of them.

So, go ahead and defend this virus that you claim to be a "cultural heritage". Blame the politicians who are useless anyways, because it looks good on you and makes you sound "newsy". And make sure you omit the fact that these "cultural heritage" fanatics are violating the Constitution and declaring war on Thailand whilst murdering Thai citizens and waving their non-Thai flags in your face on your land.

And you suggest reasoning with them? I guess The Nation needs a new color for their company logo; Yellow!

I know it sounds like a weak and ignorant view at present

Correct. In fact your whole post is one of the most ignorant and misinformed on the subject that I have ever had the misfortune to have read.

but I am certain that in the future there will be more regret (looking back) over the military refraining from an all out expulsion of this virul "cultural heritage" and the "cultural heritage" murderous fanatics. I am certain that another large portion of regret will be over doing it the "politically correct" way and losing many more lives, in the long run, than an outright expulsion would entail.

The problem is, as the OP states, it is Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over.

Why don't the Thais just leave these Malay provinces and relinquish their claim of sovereignty?

Problem solved without exodus, expulsions or genocide of the indigenous peoples as inferred in your post.

I know it sounds like a weak and ignorant view at present

Correct. In fact your whole post is one of the most ignorant and misinformed on the subject that I have ever had the misfortune to have read.

but I am certain that in the future there will be more regret (looking back) over the military refraining from an all out expulsion of this virul "cultural heritage" and the "cultural heritage" murderous fanatics. I am certain that another large portion of regret will be over doing it the "politically correct" way and losing many more lives, in the long run, than an outright expulsion would entail.

The problem is, as the OP states, it is Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over.

Why don't the Thais just leave these Malay provinces and relinquish their claim of sovereignty?

Problem solved without exodus, expulsions or genocide of the indigenous peoples as inferred in your post.

Both you guys have a reasonable argument it seems to me.

One thing for sure that I do not agree with is when responding to a post, the responder belittles and calls the first poster all kinds of names. That shows a lack of education. And this applies to me also if I would be guilty of the same.

The problem is, as the OP states, it is Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over.

Why don't the Thais just leave these Malay provinces and relinquish their claim of sovereignty?

Problem solved without exodus, expulsions or genocide of the indigenous peoples as inferred in your post.

These provinces have never been part of Malaysia, so should they just be independent?

Do the Buddhists that have lived in the area for centuries just get forgotten?

Maybe the North of Thailand should be handed over to the Burmese, or the East to Laos and Cambodia?

And then they can tell everyone that come from those areas to go back to where they came from because they're not Thai.

I could go on, but maybe you want to decide where to draw the line.

One thing for sure that I do not agree with is when responding to a post, the responder belittles and calls the first poster all kinds of names. That shows a lack of education. And this applies to me also if I would be guilty of the same.

Just stating the truth, it is one of the most misinformed and ignorant posts I have read here.

No personal comments about the poster or name calling involved.

These provinces have never been part of Malaysia, so should they just be independent?

They were Malay sultanates. Why not ask them what they want? Greater autonomy I believe is what they are asking for.

Maybe the North of Thailand should be handed over to the Burmese, or the East to Laos and Cambodia?

That's already been done remember?

The Thais had to hand back Cambodian land including Ankgor Wat that was 'captured' during WWII under the fascist (and celebrated among Thais) dictator Phibun.

Throughout the last few centuries portions of Siam and Thailand have been annexed back to their respective countries with Royal approval.

I know it sounds like a weak and ignorant view at present

Correct. In fact your whole post is one of the most ignorant and misinformed on the subject that I have ever had the misfortune to have read.

but I am certain that in the future there will be more regret (looking back) over the military refraining from an all out expulsion of this virul "cultural heritage" and the "cultural heritage" murderous fanatics. I am certain that another large portion of regret will be over doing it the "politically correct" way and losing many more lives, in the long run, than an outright expulsion would entail.

The problem is, as the OP states, it is Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over.

Why don't the Thais just leave these Malay provinces and relinquish their claim of sovereignty?

Problem solved without exodus, expulsions or genocide of the indigenous peoples as inferred in your post.

Where in the OP does it state it's Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over?

Where in the OP does it state it's Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over?

It alluded to it with these, given that historically, it is Malay land that Thais claim sovereignty over.

allows the people to practise their own cultural and linguistic specificity and manage their natural resources in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand

to acknowledge the historical, cultural and ethno-nationalist nature of the conflict.

For many insurgents, not just in Thailand, their activities are a lifestyle choice more than a mission.

Where in the OP does it state it's Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over?

It alluded to it with these, given that historically, it is Malay land that Thais claim sovereignty over.

allows the people to practise their own cultural and linguistic specificity and manage their natural resources in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand

to acknowledge the historical, cultural and ethno-nationalist nature of the conflict.

1902: Siam, now called Thailand, annexes the ancient Kingdom of Patanni, a semi-autonomous Islamic Malay region.

1903: The last sultan of Patanni opposes the Thai occupation and is subsequently charged with treason and imprisoned.

1910: Two attempted uprisings are put down by the Thai army.

Source: http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/thailand/conflict-profile/conflict-timeline/

The problem is, as the OP states, it is Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over.

Why don't the Thais just leave these Malay provinces and relinquish their claim of sovereignty?

Problem solved without exodus, expulsions or genocide of the indigenous peoples as inferred in your post.

These provinces have never been part of Malaysia, so should they just be independent?

Do the Buddhists that have lived in the area for centuries just get forgotten?

Maybe the North of Thailand should be handed over to the Burmese, or the East to Laos and Cambodia?

And then they can tell everyone that come from those areas to go back to where they came from because they're not Thai.

I could go on, but maybe you want to decide where to draw the line.

http://religionconflictpeace.org/volume-3-issue-2-spring-2010/conflicts-and-peace-initiatives-between-minority-muslims-and-thai

Interesting reading. I was always under the impression the southern provinces were previously Malay, ruled by a Sultan and ceded to Thailand by the British.

This "cultural heritage" seems to turn lethal for non-Muslims once the Muslims who embrace it reaches a certain number in population, does it not? What is now known as the Deep South has had a majority Muslim population for centuries. From memory the current non Muslim population is around 18%. Regards cup-of-coffee comment that peace talks only happen when the "insurgents" surrender; again from memory this has only happened with the elimination of the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka and Shining Path in Peru.

I recall the Thai military was going to deploy a Special Forces regiment in the Deep South; has this happened? A better approach other than the potential destruction of the region's infrastructure and heavy civilian casualties during military counter insurgency operations is required. As commented the Thai politicians have yet to get their act together, you wonder how much self serving corruption is behind the lack of political will.

Edited December 4, 201213 yr by simple1

I thought Chalerm would have all this under control by Christmas.

2011 that is....

We should compile a list if his failed initiatives.

Deal with tourist mafia several months ago

Close all the police gambling dens

The men in black are police

Reduction in tax for ear medicines for MPs

I know it sounds like a weak and ignorant view at present

Correct. In fact your whole post is one of the most ignorant and misinformed on the subject that I have ever had the misfortune to have read.

but I am certain that in the future there will be more regret (looking back) over the military refraining from an all out expulsion of this virul "cultural heritage" and the "cultural heritage" murderous fanatics. I am certain that another large portion of regret will be over doing it the "politically correct" way and losing many more lives, in the long run, than an outright expulsion would entail.

The problem is, as the OP states, it is Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over.

Why don't the Thais just leave these Malay provinces and relinquish their claim of sovereignty?

Problem solved without exodus, expulsions or genocide of the indigenous peoples as inferred in your post.

Nice thought but NEVER happen.

The problem is, as the OP states, it is Malay land, that Thais claim sovereignty over.

Why don't the Thais just leave these Malay provinces and relinquish their claim of sovereignty?

Problem solved without exodus, expulsions or genocide of the indigenous peoples as inferred in your post.

These provinces have never been part of Malaysia, so should they just be independent?

Do the Buddhists that have lived in the area for centuries just get forgotten?

Maybe the North of Thailand should be handed over to the Burmese, or the East to Laos and Cambodia?

And then they can tell everyone that come from those areas to go back to where they came from because they're not Thai.

I could go on, but maybe you want to decide where to draw the line.

I know.

Let's just reinstate the Khmer Empire with Ankor Wat as it's capitol.

Take a 1200 year step back in time......

Yea, yea, that's the ticket......

These provinces have never been part of Malaysia, so should they just be independent?

They were Malay sultanates. Why not ask them what they want? Greater autonomy I believe is what they are asking for.

Yea, that's like asking the Arabs what they want done with Israel.....

These provinces have never been part of Malaysia, so should they just be independent?

They were Malay sultanates. Why not ask them what they want? Greater autonomy I believe is what they are asking for.

Without a solution to the terrorism situation there would luckily NEVER be any talk about autonomy or independence.The extremist down there has made it clear that infidels will not be able to live any more in the coockoo-land visioned by them.The last thing the world need is the birth of a failed state right from the get go !!

But until the military starts to actually to learn of the mistakes they\ve done over the last decade,Im very pessimistic of any solution down there.