| Publication |
2008.
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| Summary/Abstract |
Separatist violence in Thailand's southern provinces has claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people since January 2004 and represents the kingdom's-arguably the region's-most serious security threat. The underlying causes of the violence stem from the Thai state's annexation of the Patani Kingdom in 1902 and subsequent efforts by Bangkok to coerce Malay Muslims into becoming Thai Muslims. Poor governance, maladministration, and political and economic marginalization have exacerbated feelings of resentment toward Bangkok. The proximate causes of the upsurge in violence in January 2004 include changes in the international environment post-September 11, 2001 and the political initiatives of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. State responses under Thaksin were deeply flawed and served only to inflame separatist sentiment. After the September 19, 2006 coup, the new government adopted a more conciliatory approach, emphasizing national reconciliation and improved governance. The military regime was unable to stem the violence, however, as it failed to follow through on rhetoric and the government became preoccupied with national politics. Without a comprehensive political solution to the problem, one that includes genuine autonomy for the south, the violence looks set to continue.
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