Solving the Conflict in Southern Thailand

In 2004, the conflict in southern Thailand Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces escalated to new levels of violence. The root causes of the conflict are many interlinking factors, and the insurgents main objective is the Souths separation from the rest of the country. The conflicts impact is being felt on all levels of Thai society, including the innocent, and it is a high-priority security issue for Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The violence needs to be resolved soon, before it escalates into an even more intractable war. The purpose of this research paper is to suggest ways to resolve the conflict in Southern Thailand. First, it explains the root historical, political, social, and economic causes of the conflict. Second, it analyzes the responses of the Thai government to the conflict. Finally, it analyzes alternative solutions let Pattani secede, establish an autonomous region, or pursue complete integration. The author concludes that the latter two approaches, autonomous region and integration, may be practicable, depending upon the circumstances. Overall, Good Governance will be the key variable in solving the conflict in Southern Thailand.