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On-line bestseller. Now in its 2nd Edition.

Latest facts, new images, maps and analysis.



Peace talks between the Thai government and Patani nationalists led by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN) drags on with no breakthrough in sight. The fundamental disconnect impacting the peace process is the Dichotomy of Context between the two sides. The Thai government views the dialogue process as a way to rein in and disarm wayward “Thai Muslim Separatists” and to persuade the Patani Malay populace to accept Thai rule albeit with some administrative and cultural concessions. On the other hand, Patani nationalists regard the process as a step towards self-determination in their own land with the ultimate objective of regaining independence and the re-establishment of a Malay Muslim nation state.

After the initial rounds of dialogue coordinated and hosted by Malaysia, the Patani nationalists have hardened their stance, with a series of demands set as preconditions for further talks. These include Thailand’s recognition of the distinct identity, race and language of the Patani Malays; withdrawal of Thai troops from the restive region; peacekeeping duties to be conducted by local security forces; and amnesty for insurgents.


Additional conditions announced in early September 2013 include explicit Thai recognition of the BRN as liberators and not separatists; Malaysia's role to be upgraded from facilitator to mediator; presence of observers from ASEAN, the OIC and relevant NGOs during the dialogue process; a special administrative platform be set up under the Thai constitution; and the unconditional release of all detained suspects or imprisoned insurgents. BRN also sought guarantees for the Patani Malays’ freedom to practice Islam, seek education, conduct business, as well as to remain free from harassment.


Would the Thai state accede to these demands? Would even a partial concession be possible? Is there sufficient political will in Bangkok? What about the influential Thai military? Would Thailand gain from a softer negotiating posture? Could it afford further violence and bloodshed in its soft underbelly? Would these concessions bring peace and a semblance of normalcy to the Patani Region? Could the civilian government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra push the dialogue process to the next level? Who actually decides for Thailand? What more must be done? What is the end game?


Get the book to find out.



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Patani: Behind The Accidental Border
2nd Edition. The Search for Elusive Peace



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The insurgency in Thailand’s southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, collectively defined as the Patani Region, is the most misunderstood conflict in the world today. In relative terms, the toll on human lives over the past half decade is surpassed only by the Iraqi and Afghan conflicts. But unlike those well-reported hotspots, very little is known about the Patani insurgency – its root causes; the identity and objectives of the main players; the historical context; the role and legitimacy of the Thai state; the sentiment of the populace – and this multifaceted ignorance sustains the ongoing socio-political tragedy. The insurgency has been vividly painted by many as a religious conflict perpetrated by misguided “Thai Muslims,” effectively calibrating all discourses towards a Pan-Islamist terrorism agenda.


This is further embellished by tales of economic backwardness due to lack of educational and vocational opportunities. The combination of religious zealotry and abject poverty are supposed to be the main catalysts of the insurgency and this narrative has largely shaped world perception, with policy initiatives geared towards economic development, scholastic reforms and inculcation of “moderate” Islamic teachings among the Patani people. These programmes come and go but the insurgency rages on with heightened intensity and brutality in a region also known cryptically as the Thai Deep South. Why is this the case? Who are the real stakeholders? What would be the end game? And could we resolve this conflict without a firm understanding of its root causes?


Together we shall seek the answers. This book will provide a definitive analysis of the insurgency in a region that was a prominent Malay Sultanate for a half-millennium but now tethered precariously to the southern underbelly of the Thai nation. Necessary attention will be given to its historical dimension and current regional geopolitical context and realities. This may dilute the conventional narrative meticulously crafted by others, and the revelations may be unpalatable to some. But without the historical truth and a firm grasp of the real issues, a just, meaningful and permanent solution could never be conceived. The detailed processes and methodologies of the Pattani Peace Initiative presented in this book would hopefully form the building blocks for sustainable peace, justice and reconciliation for the Patani Region.




Read it online now in full colour PDF e-Book format


Price: USD 34.95









Hardcover coffee table edition (250 pages, with 100 full colour maps and pictures) available by special request.

Price:-

RM 189.00 Malaysia

THB 1,900 Thailand

SGD 89.00 Singapore

USD 69.00 Worldwide










To pre-order and/or discuss other payment options in your currency, send e-mail to patanibook@gmail.com

Date and Time in Patani Darussalam

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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Patani Peace Talks ...... Cause for Hope?


Will there be a substantive political breakthrough in the on-off-on again peace talks between the Thai state and Patani Malay nationalists?

Would Patani nationalists accept anything less than total political separation from Thailand after 109 years of socio-political turmoil under the Thai yoke? Would Thai hardliners tolerate even a mild semblance of self-governance, not even autonomy, and let alone independence for the Patani Region? Where will be the practical point of compromise, or are the two sides irreconcilable in their narrative of and approach to the conflict?

Or perhaps a point of convergence would be forged by the two sides as their respective societies find the conflict's current trajectory socially, economically and politically untenable. 


 

Excellent piece below by Anthony Davis, security analyst for IHS-Jane’s:-


An Asia Times Online Exclusive
April 6, 2011 
Thai peace talks come to light
By Anthony Davis

BANGKOK - After six years of secret contacts disrupted by political turmoil and mutual distrust, high-level peace talks aimed at addressing the roots of Thailand's bitter Malay-Muslim insurgency are moving into a more open and substantive phase.

Senior negotiators from both the Thai government and separatist sides of the conflict expressed optimism in recent interviews that key issues should now be tabled, while conceding that the secrecy and denial that have shrouded the talks to date have outlived their usefulness.

For the rest of the story, go here.



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4 comments:

Progress said...

I hope for peace in Pattani and the surrounding region. I'm very much looking forward to reading your book.

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Just a progressive-minded fellow from the States

May 19, 2011 at 2:19 AM
Progress said...

Thank you for approving my comment. I've been reading up on the history of Pattani, and I can only shake my head in grief over the sufferings of its people under the Thai yoke, even before the direct annexation by Siam, while Pattani was merely under Thai suzerainty. Even indirect overlordship, after all, can be humiliating and debasing, as we see from some historical examples, whether the Romanian Principalities under the Ottomans, Dai Viet under Chinese hegemony, or the Princely States of the Raj under the oppression of British Colonialism. I am quite open, however, to the notion of autonomy, rather than independence, for the Pattani people, (even though independence may appear more attractive), and of course, as any altruist would, I hope for total reconciliation and mutual coexistence between the Thais and Malays, and a total cessation of needless violence perpetrated by both sides, as always occurs in every tragic conflict. With the utmost graciousness, I commend you wholeheartedly for your excellent work following this conflict and for your compassion towards the oppressed Malays of Pattani, as you work towards greater and more accurate knowledge in the West of this oft-ignored humanitarian crisis.

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Just a progressive-minded fellow from the States

May 22, 2011 at 7:17 AM
Zaza said...

Even autonomy is good for the Patani people. From here, they can move further and progress little by little. I pray that one day peace will stay forever in Patani. Then prosperity will follow.

The Patani people need a lot of help from the International community via NGOs, but the International NGOs aren't coming to Patani due to the security conditions. I have checked with many French NGOSs in Paris, but none of them will come due to the reason listed above.

Thanks to the author for highlighting the sufferings of the Patani people. For my part, I still cannot forget the young Malay lady who died in an empty house in a remote Malay village in Patani, leaving her 4 month old baby at her side. The baby was found 4-7 days later, crying and crawling beside the mother's lifeless body and covered with urine and faeces. The door to the house was locked from inside. He/she survived by sucking the leftover breast milk from the mother which (miraculously) still flowed even after death. This was poverty at its highest degree. It did not help that the lady had a bad health. What about her husband? He left for another woman.....need I say more?

Salam.

Z.

May 25, 2011 at 5:37 AM
Zaza said...

Is Thailand really sincere about peace in the Deep South? I doubt it.

http://tinyurl.com/6zje79l

June 17, 2011 at 4:45 PM

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