THAILAND may allow a special zone for Muslims in the south

Thailand is a mainly Buddhist society, however, in parts of the south the main faith is Islam. In recent times Islamic radicals in the south have fought the central government and they have killed many innocent Buddhists and Muslims alike. Their dream is an independent Islamic state based on Sharia Islamic law and now the Interior Minister, Chalerm, claims that a special administrative zone is needed for Muslms. However, what about the Buddhist minority and the concept of equality within Thailand?

If we firstly focus on rights within Thailand then the constitution guarantees the rights of all citizens, irrespective of sexuality, religion, or ethnicity. Also, the government of Thailand did not instigate the current crisis and will pandering like this work? I fear it will not, but this proposal may put even more pressure on Buddhists to leave Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala?

So what about the Buddhists of this region who represent around 15% to 20% of the population? Or moderate Muslims or secular people who do not desire to reside under a law which may limit their freedom? Will they be left to suffer under laws which discriminate against them or take away their liberties which are enshrined in the constitution of Thailand?

It would appear that Chalerm did not think about this serious issue and instead he merely stated something which may endanger parts of Thailand. Because it is abundantly clear that Sharia Islamic law contradicts Thai law and this means that many nationals in the south will feel abandoned. Even worse, many will feel that they don`t count and that violence is effective in forcing dhimmitude on the Buddhist minority.

The current status quo isn`t the answer also but it is much better than abandoning the Buddhists of the south. Also, the government would be opening up a can of worms and they may not be able to contain the situation because Islamists will merely exploit the situation.

Today the Buddhists of the south and moderate Muslims face an uncertain future, and the same applies to the nation state of Thailand. Therefore, this policy will not placate the Islamists and it will only lead to further tensions within other parts of Thailand because Buddhists may respond to this crisis by forming militias or they may turn against minority Muslims in others parts of Thailand?

Given this, Chalerm should rethink his policies and he and the government must somehow stabilize the south within the constitution of Thailand. If they fail to do this, then I fear the worse and I am sure that many Buddhists will leave. Either Thailand will remain strong within the current legal framework or they will create areas of inequality and how can this help Thailand?

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA

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