Posts by Kokaew Wongphan

From the field Creating Sustainable Peace in South Thailand

Many of the problems that have contributed to the violence in South Thailand have in fact existed for a long time. Differences in religion and culture have been cited as causing violence. In fact, it is important for the central state of Thailand to understand the differences of the southern states. Read more >>>

From the field Academic Discussion on the Deep South Conflict

The conflict in Thailand’s Deep South has now lasted over 5 years, and continues to see daily, worsening violence. The question many people are asking is has government policy so far been correct – particularly in sending the army to deal with the problem? Read more >>>

From the field 5 Years of War in Thailand’s Deep South

Pattani, Yala and Narithiwat, are on the Thai side of the Thai-Malaysian border. In an majority Buddhist country, these three provinces are around 80% Muslim. For the past 5 years these 3 provinces have been the centre of a conflict which, according to Songkhla University, over 12,500 violent incidents have left over 10,000 people have injured or killed. The government is now reporting that the violence has spread to the neighboring Songkhla province. Read more >>>

From the field Youth peace club and careers training

Beginning in 2007, ARF-Pattani have been running a peace training program in 36 schools in the provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwar. Students are taught about human rights and the importance of peace. Living in conflict zones, many of the students bring personal stories of lives affected by violence – many have lost a family member, or know somebody who has. By learning about their rights, students are able to protect their basic rights, and will be better able to speak out about human rights abuses. Read more >>>

From the field Peace volunteer program

The violence in South Thailand began in 2004 and has showed little signs of subsiding. In an effort to reverse the trend, The Southern Border Province Administration Centre (SBPAC) and Mahidol University established a peace training program in 2007. The 3 month course would train 125 local officials in South Thailand in peacebuilding techniques. In 2008, SBPAC and Mahidol University took 69 of the participants to become ‘Peace Volunteers’ to put what they had learned into practice in their local areas. Read more >>>