EMBRACING THE THAI IDENTITY IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

I always believe that when two sides are clashing and fighting each other over issues such as autonomy and so on , I am of the opinion that the conflict must be settled in peace . I always believe that such conflicts are unneccessary and does not bring any good to the well being of its people and the nation , as whole . Today , I want to talk about the insurgency and militants who destroyed the tranquility and religious tolerance of the multicultural region of Southern Thailand .

Now , for your information , the militant movement which were initiated by Islamic militant movements of Southern Thailand  in 2004 had cause great sufferings not only to Thai Buddhists and Thai Christians , it had also negatively impacted the Thai Muslim community which formed the majority in three provinces of Yala , Narathiwat and Patani . Many casualties had been inflicted on both sides , not only on the military personnels but also the Thai citizens , be it Buddhists , Muslims or Christians .  The conflicts in Southern Thai region had further eroded the image and reputation of Islam in this nation of 63 million peoples .

The militants and insurgents claimed that the conflict that they are waging against the central authority of Bangkok is a " holy war " against the unbelievers of Islam . They claimed that the province of Patani , Yala and Narathiwat belonged only to the Muslims . However , the history books proved otherwise . There had been a sizeable minority of Buddhist population , coexisting with their Islamic counterparts in the same region for as long as time can remember  . Shall I add on ? Buddhism and Hindusm traditons had existed long before the Kingdom of Patani embraced Islam somewhere between 11th to 13th century AD .

As for the central authority in Bangkok , I think it is the time for you to engage these " parasites " once and for all . Disinfect these " parasites " as I believe they had caused a great deal of sufferings not only to the Thai Buddhist and Christians populations , but also to the Thai Muslim community itself . If the Thai authorities could not handle this problem alone , I think that they should not be shy to form partnership with countries like Malaysia and Great Britain which had proved their battle worthiness in the war against communist guerillas back in the 1950s . Maybe Thailand can also engage several UN peacekeeping teams in Southern Thailand to restore back the much needed peace in that turbulent region .

As for the militant insurgents and the Thai Muslims population , I think this is the perfect time to throw away your firearms and bury the hatchet . Accept the fact that you are now living in Thailand and that you are subjected to Thai central government . Embrace the Thai identity as being a Thai does not make you less Muslim . If both sides are willing to strike a win-win situation deal , this will be beautiful . Just remember that Thai is a race , not a religion . Being a Thai shall never be the excuse for the Muslims to be less Muslims , just like being a Malaysian does not make me less Buddhist and Thai . 

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PEACE NO WAR