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.
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.
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
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
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.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
Is Thailand really sincere about peace in the Deep South? I doubt it.
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/6zje79l