Thailand mulls ceding power to end deadly rebellion

[Jasun]

I wouldn't assume the rebels want or will accept the offer.

Edited June 13, 2013 by Jasun

[Radar501]

Control of present day Southern Thailand/Northern Malaysia has vacillated for hundreds of years between the two nations.

Pattani, for example, was a Malay Sultanate in the late 1800's, and Kedah was a Thai dominion as recent as WWII. Geopolitical vagaries will continue to redraw the borders for centuries to come.

What probably won't change as quickly is the spread of major ethnic groups in the different regions.

Check the map below, showing the area of Thailand (including Phuket!!!) dominated by the Malay ethnic group.

Bangkok could roll over and cede power of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat to the rebels. But what will be the next demand?