Thailand

From the field Thailand elections unlikely to deliver political stability

Thailand heads to the polls on 3 July to elect its next government. With the political system weakened by years of extra-parliamentary interventions, rampant corruption and political instability, the country remains deeply divided. Rather than resolving the political conflict, the election is likely to lead to further confrontations, be they in Parliament, in the streets or through military intervention. Read more >>>

From the field Slow wait for justice in Thailand

On 12 March 2011 it will be seven years since human rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit was abducted by policemen from a busy Bangkok street. He is presumed dead. His body has never been found. Attempts to bring the perpetrators to justice have been thwarted at every turn, highlighting the persistent obstructions faced by victims of extrajudicial violence and the enduring problem of impunity – all of which remain major obstacles to the resolution of ongoing conflicts, not only in the restive southern border provinces, but throughout Thailand. Read more >>>

Commentary Uncertainty and fear in Thailand

Smoke rises from central Bangkok after a night of violence, tears, and death. The Thai government claims success in dealing with the Red Shirt challenge while at the same time a movie theater, a mall, and several banks burn. Fear and uncertainty about the future are one of the few feelings shared by both sides of the socio-political divide. Read more >>>

Commentary ‘Extreme Risk of Terrorism’ in Thailand

In a worrying indication of the severity of the conflict in South Thailand, Maplecroft have just released their latest Terrorism Risk Index, and Thailand has entered the category of countries with an ‘extreme risk of terrorism’. Maplecroft have included 9 countries in this category, the others being: Iraq (1), Afghanistan (2), Pakistan (3), Somalia (4), Lebanon (5), India (6), Algeria (7), and Colombia (8). Read more >>>

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 >>>

Life in the ‘Red Zone’ of South Thailand

Since 2007 the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat in south Thailand have been known as the “Red Zone” – the area which has been most affected by armed violence and in which the government feels terrorist organisations have the most influence. Since becoming the ‘Red Zone’ people living in the region feel they have lost the power to control their destiny. People are scared to talks to anyone outside their own village; even people in the same village rarely speak about the conflict amongst themselves. 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 >>>