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Malaysia Sun
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Thailand: New Insurgent Attacks on Civilians Despite Pledge
(Bangkok, May 29, 2025) - Separatist insurgents in Thailand's southern border provinces should uphold their pledge and international legal obligations not to attack civilians, Human Rights Watch said today. Barisan Revolusi Nasional (National Revolutionary Front or BRN) insurgents have frequently targeted civilians, both Thai Buddhists and Malay Muslims, since the outbreak of armed insurgency in January 2004. On May 5, 2025, the BRN issued a statement expressing regret for recent attacks. While reaffirming the right to self-determination for Malay Muslims, the armed separatist group said that it "has no policy of targeting civilians" and "remains committed to international human rights and humanitarian law." Human Rights Watch has repeatedly condemned BRN laws-of-war violations. "The BRN took an unprecedented step by publicly pledging not to target civilians, after terrorizing people in Thailand's deep south for more than two decades," said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "But a pledge is not enough. The BRN needs to stop committing war crimes ." There were 57 insurgent attacks in April, resulting in 18 deaths and 50 injuries from the Buddhist Thai and Malay Muslim populations in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces. On April 22, BRN insurgents shot dead Pongkorn Chumapan, 16, and wounded Pokanit Morasin, 12, in an attack on a pickup truck taking Buddhist monks and novices from Wat Kura temple to collect alms in Songkhla province's Sabayoi district. Pol. Lt. Wattanarom Chumapan, Pongkorn's father, told Human Rights Watch that his "son and his cousins were ordained as novices during their school break to study Buddhism and accumulate good karma. But they were targeted in this brutal attack." "I picked up my son, together with other novices and monks, from the temple to collect alms that morning," he said. "My pickup truck had just left the temple's gate when I heard gunshots coming from the roadside jungle. They sounded like M-16 assault rifles. I'm a police officer. I could tell." He said the bullets hit his son and another novice: "I grabbed my pistol and fired back at the two assailants until they retreated. I could see them escaping on a motorcycle, dressed as Muslim women and covering their faces." The BRN considers Buddhism emblematic of the Thai state's occupation of Malay Muslim territory. At least 23 Buddhist monks and novices have been killed and more than 30 injured during the conflict, most while collecting alms. Victims of the BRN's violence in May included teachers, police officers, older people, and children. On the morning of May 28, Pol. Sgt. Abdulloh Makaseng, 30, was shot dead when insurgents attacked the Chanae district police station in Narathiwat province. Later that day, insurgents opened fire into a community sport event in Narathiwat province's Tak Bai district, seriously wounding Muhammad Sukri Ha, 37, and Sainuddin Jehbueraheng, 34, both teachers. On May 2, in Chanae district, insurgents fatally shot Sa-Nga Saeng-Yoi, 76, a blind Buddhist Thai, and critically wounded her son while they were returning home from the hospital on a motorcycle. On the same day, in Tak Bai district, six insurgents opened fire with assault rifles into a Buddhist Thai neighborhood. They killed Sasita Jankong, 9, a Buddhist Thai, and two older relatives. Civilians have also been victims of BRN insurgents' indiscriminate shootings and bombings. The laws of war , applicable to the armed conflict in Thailand's southern border provinces, prohibit attacks on civilians and civilian objects, including reprisals, or attacks that fail to discriminate between combatants and civilians. Anyone who commits serious violations of the laws of war with criminal intent is responsible for war crimes . Abuses by both BRN insurgents and Thai authorities have long fed a cycle of violence and impunity, Human Rights Watch said. Phra Kru Kositasudabhorn, a prominent Buddhist monk and peace advocate from Pattani province, told Human Rights Watch that the April 22 attack on novices in Sabayoi district appeared to be in retaliation for the killing of an Islamic religious teacher, allegedly by Thai security forces, in Narathiwat province on April 18. "As long as that killing remains unresolved, Buddhist Thais will still be at risk," he said. "Buddhist novices and monks are especially vulnerable. Government officials should understand that insurgents use [state-sponsored] abuses and heavy-handed tactics to recruit new members and justify their violence." Claims by insurgents that attacks on civilians are lawful because the victims are part of the Thai state or that Islamic law, as they interpret it, has no justification under international law. The office of Sheikhul Islam, Thailand's central Islamic council, issued a statement on May 6, 2025, condemning the attacks on civilians "in the strongest terms" and stating that there is no justification for such heinous crimes, which are also serious religious offenses. Thai authorities have imposed special security legislation in the southern border provinces. Under the Executive Decree on Government Administration in Emergency Situations and under martial law, Thai security forces can arrest and hold suspected BRN members for up to 37 days without effective judicial oversight, which has led to deaths in military custody. On May 22, representatives of the Internal Security Operations Command, Region Four, which is responsible for counterinsurgency operations in the southern border provinces, told a Thai parliamentary committee that such arrests and detentions served as deterrence even when authorities did not have sufficient evidence to press charges. Jaringan Mangsa Dari Undang-Undang Darurat, a human rights group, reported at least 41 arbitrary arrest cases of Malay Muslims from January through April. The mother of Nasri Tugae, 22, told Human Rights Watch that her son was arrested under martial law on April 23: "Soldiers raided my house, accusing Nasri of being involved in the killing of a Buddhist novice [on April 22]. We tried to explain that my son was away on that day to apply for his passport in Yala province. But they did not listen." She said he was taken to Ingkayuth Camp in Pattani province for interrogation: "My son was scared when I told him that there were allegations about him all over social media, saying he was a murderer. My son was held for 26 days. Now he was released without charge. My son was treated unfairly. Where is justice? Something like this will only make Muslims trust officials less." There is an entrenched culture of impunity for state-sponsored abuses in the southern border provinces, Human Rights Watch said. There has been no successful prosecution of those responsible for extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and torture of suspected BRN members. The 20-year statute of limitations of the Tak Bai crackdown, which left 85 dead and several hundred injured, ended in October 2024, preventing further legal action. "Insurgent atrocities and retaliatory government abuses have sowed distrust between the Thai Buddhist and Malay Muslim communities," Pearson said. "Both sides should end abuses, hold abusers accountable, and commit to respecting human rights as they negotiate an end to the conflict." Source: Human Rights Watch
Muscat Daily
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Lasting peace eludes Thailand's deep south
Bangkok, Thailand – Since January 2004, Thailand's deep south has seen ongoing conflict between Thai military forces and separatist groups seeking greater autonomy. The violence is largely confined to the country's three southernmost provinces, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala – home to a Muslim Malay majority in the predominantly Buddhist nation. The region, located along the Thai-Malaysia border, has seen over 23,000 violent incidents, leading to more than 7,000 deaths, according to Deep South Watch, a local think tank. The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the dominant separatist group, has been implicated in attacks targeting civilians, including Buddhist monks and schoolteachers, according to Human Rights Watch. Deadly attacks escalate conflict Between January and early May this year, 38 violent incidents were recorded – almost as many as in all of 2024. Don Pathan, a Thailand-based security analyst, points to two attacks as key escalations. The first came after Thailand's National Security Council and the BRN failed to reach a Ramadan ceasefire agreement in March, after which Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai insisted that all violence must stop before talks resume. The BRN responded with a March 9 attack on Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok District Office, wounding 12 people and killing two volunteer defence officers. The second major incident came after the April 18 killing of senior BRN member Abdulroning Lateh, which saw the insurgents escalate beyond the rules of engagement in conflict by targeting civilians. A brutal attack came on May 2 when a gunman shot dead at least three people in a residential area of Narathiwat province, including a 9-year-old girl, a 75-year-old man and a 76-year-old blind woman. In response, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra deployed more troops to the region to bolster security. Last week, Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai said that the Thai government is willing to engage in peace talks. Thaksin vows to achieve peace Tita Sanglee, an associate fellow at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, believes both politicians' efforts are symbolic rather than practical. 'Paetongtarn and Phumtham's peace efforts are more symbolic than substantive. We all know that the situation on the ground is not really conducive to peace,' she told DW. 'Phumtham's stance, at least early on, was quite tough. He was basically saying, 'we won't engage in talks unless the BRN proves its legitimacy by ending violence on the ground'.' 'I see this largely as a way to shift scrutiny onto the insurgents – and ultimately to shield the young and inexperienced prime minister,' Sanglee said, suggesting that controlling the narrative seems to be the government's priority. Thaksin Shinawatra, who was Thai PM when the insurgency renewed in 2004, has also become involved to help find a solution. He visited the region in February and said that he expects to see a complete end to the unrest by next year. Malaysia's role in finding peace Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party, which is strongly influenced by Thaksin, has since faced pressure to act. Tita said the former PM's pledge has pushed the government to respond. 'In light of Thaksin's public pledge to end the Deep South's unrest by next year, there's a real need for the Pheu Thai government to demonstrate that it is taking the issue seriously and is actually doing something,' she told DW. Thaksin is an informal adviser to ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the prime minister of Malaysia, which has been urged to take a greater role in peace efforts. The last official meeting about a peace solution between Thai government representatives and the BRN was in June 2024. But in a post on social media this month, Paetongtarn said Malaysia is now crucial for any upcoming rounds of peace talks. Anthony Davis, a Bangkok-based security analyst, said Malaysia could have more of an impact on reducing the hostilities. 'The Malaysians could arguably be doing more in terms of reining in BRN. Some elements almost certainly knew in advance that a Ramadan offensive was coming and apparently did nothing to head it off,' he told DW, adding that Malaysia's role as 'facilitator' limits its actions. 'There are also questions as to how far PM Anwar is focused on the Patani issue and whether he could afford the domestic political blowback of hard-knuckle moves against BRN leadership inside Malaysia when ultimately this is a Thai problem,' he added. Don Pathan believes Thailand should look at the BRN proposal, rather than relying on Malaysia. 'Malaysia is not exactly an honest broker; Malaysia is a stakeholder. The country shares the same border and the same religious and cultural similarities as the Malays of Patani,' he told DW. Pathan suggested that the Thai government should take seriously the BRN's counterproposal made in February, which included 'setting up a negotiating team, releasing political prisoners, and allowing international observers to monitor a ceasefire'. 'The BRN has said it is willing to negotiate under the Thai Constitution. BRN and the Patani Malays are willing to be part of the Thai state. But it has to be on their terms,' he added. DW
DW
20-05-2025
- Politics
- DW
Will Thailand's deep south ever see lasting peace? – DW – 05/20/2025
Conflict in Thailand's deep south has persisted for more than two decades. With violence surging again this year, can lasting peace finally be achieved? Since January 2004, Thailand's deep south has seen ongoing conflict between separatist groups seeking greater autonomy and Thai military forces. The violence is largely confined to the country's three southernmost provinces, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala — home to a Muslim Malay majority in the predominantly Buddhist nation. The region is located along the Thai-Malaysia border, and has seen over 23,000 violent incidents, leading to more than 7,000 deaths, according to Deep South Watch, a local think tank. The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the dominant separatist group, has been implicated in attacks targeting civilians, including Buddhist monks and schoolteachers, according to Human Rights Watch. Deadly attacks escalate conflict Between January and early May this year, 38 violent incidents were recorded — almost as many as in all of 2024. Don Pathan, a Thailand-based security analyst, points to two attacks as key escalations. Why is Thailand expelling Uyghur asylum seekers to China now To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The first came after Thailand's National Security Council and the BRN failed to reach a Ramadan ceasefire agreement in March, after which Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai insisted that all violence must stop before talks resume. The BRN responded with a March 9 attack on Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok District Office, wounding 12 people and killing two volunteer defense officers. The second major incident came after the April 18 killing of senior BRN member Abdulroning Lateh, which saw the insurgents escalate beyond the rules of engagement in conflict by targeting civilians. A brutal attack came on May 2 when a gunman shot dead at least three people in a residential area of Narathiwat province, including a 9-year-old girl, a 75-year-old man and a 76-year-old blind woman. In response, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra deployed more troops to the region to bolster security. And last week, Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai said that the Thai government is willing to engage in peace talks. Thaksin vows to achieve peace Tita Sanglee, an associate fellow at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, believes both politicians' efforts are symbolic rather than practical. "Paetongtarn and Phumtham's peace efforts are more symbolic than substantive. We all know that the situation on the ground is not really conducive to peace," she told DW. "Phumtham's stance, at least early on, was quite tough. He was basically saying, 'we won't engage in talks unless the BRN proves its legitimacy by ending violence on the ground.'" "I see this largely as a way to shift scrutiny onto the insurgents — and ultimately to shield the young and inexperienced prime minister," Sanglee said, suggesting that controlling the narrative seems to be the government's priority. Thaksin Shinawatra, who was Thai PM when the insurgency renewed in 2004, has also become involved to help find a solution. He visited the region in February and said that he expects to see a complete end to the unrest by next year. What is Malaysia's role in finding peace? Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party, which is strongly influenced by Thaksin, has since faced pressure to act. Tita said the former PM's pledge has pushed the government to respond. "In light of Thaksin's public pledge to end the Deep South's unrest by next year, there's a real need for the Pheu Thai government to demonstrate that it is taking the issue seriously and is actually doing something," she told DW. Thaksin is an informal adviser to ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the prime minister of Malaysia, which has been urged to take a greater role in peace efforts. Thaksin Shinawatra remains a central figure in Thai politics, exerting influence despite his ousting from power 19 years ago Image: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images The last official meeting about a peace solution between Thai government representatives and the BRN was in June 2024. But in a post on social media this month, Paetongtarn said Malaysia is now crucial for any upcoming rounds of peace talks. Anthony Davis, a Bangkok-based security analyst, said Malaysia could have more of an impact on reducing the hostilities. "The Malaysians could arguably be doing more in terms of reining in BRN. Some elements almost certainly knew in advance that a Ramadan offensive was coming and apparently did nothing to head it off," he told DW, adding that Malaysia's role as "facilitator" limits its actions. "There are also questions as to how far PM Anwar is focused on the Patani issue and whether he could afford the domestic political blowback of hard-knuckle moves against BRN leadership inside Malaysia when ultimately this is a Thai problem," he added. Don Pathan believes Thailand should look at the BRN proposal, rather than relying on Malaysia. "Malaysia is not exactly an honest broker; Malaysia is a stakeholder. The country shares the same border and the same religious and cultural similarities as the Malays of Patani," he told DW. Pathan suggested that the Thai government should take seriously the BRN's counterproposal made in February, which included "setting up a negotiating team, releasing political prisoners, and allowing international observers to monitor a ceasefire." "The BRN has said it is willing to negotiate under the Thai Constitution. BRN and the Patani Malays are willing to be part of the Thai state. But it has to be on their terms," he added. New Thai prime minister third in family to hold office To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Edited by: Keith Walker
The Star
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Southern insurgency escalates, Thai govt to crackdown on militant leaders
BANGKOK: The southern insurgency in Thailand has reignited, cornering the government and prompting a renewed plan to hunt down and dismantle militant leadership networks. Three main groups have been targeted by insurgents in the deep southern border provinces: Thai Buddhists, state officials (including civil servants, military personnel, police, and volunteers), and Muslims who cooperate with state authorities. A series of coordinated attacks recently shocked the region, including: >A shooting of monks and novices collecting alms in Saba Yoi District, Songkhla Province >A mass shooting in Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province, which left three people dead—including a 9-year-old child and a 70-year-old elder—and two others injured >A drive-by shooting in Cho-airong District, Narathiwat, where a 76-year-old blind woman was killed and her 50-year-old son seriously wounded as they were heading to a hospital The attackers deliberately targeted vulnerable individuals, aiming to provoke outrage—and succeeded. The violence drew widespread condemnation and increased pressure on the government to act decisively. ALSO READ: Gunman kills three in conflict-hit southern Thailand Security analysts believe this resurgence of violence stems from several key factors: 1. Stalled peace talks under both the Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra governments, particularly after Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for a strategic overhaul but failed to appoint an official Thai representative for dialogue. 2. Internal conflict within the BRN (Barisan Revolusi Nasional) between older and newer factions, leading the newer generation to operate independently. 3. Timing with the holy month of Ramadan, which historically sees heightened tensions. 4. Reduced security checkpoints on minor roads in response to local complaints during 'Ramadan Panjor' policy implementation. 5. Fatigue among security forces, resulting in lapses in vigilance. 6. Political manoeuvring to push for special administrative status in the region. 7. Government leaders' public statements, seen as setting pressure timelines, may have provoked insurgents. Deputy DefenCe Minister Gen Nattapon Nakpanich is scheduled to visit the southern provinces on May 7 to meet with stakeholders, including religious leaders, and energise local security forces. Similarly, Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Phana Klaewplodthuk will follow up on operations led by Lt Gen Paisan Nusang, commander of the 4th Army Region, who has deployed proactive paramilitary ranger units. Currently, there are nine regiments (144 companies) of ranger forces and six female ranger units (45 squads) operating in the region as part of seven task forces, covering areas such as Raman (Yala), Panare (Pattani), Nong Chik (Pattani), Sai Buri (Pattani), Ra-ngae (Narathiwat), Rueso (Narathiwat), and Yaha (Yala). Their missions include suppressing violence, adapting deployment based on geography and threat levels, and integrating operations with other local agencies. Additionally, the army chief has ordered Interior Ministry volunteers to man village-level checkpoints, replacing recently withdrawn military forces. Proactive strategies also include closely monitoring known insurgents—those categoriSed as "Black Faces" (active operatives) and "Grey Faces" (indirect operatives). Authorities will also begin identifying "White Faces"—individuals with no criminal records but believed to fund or recruit for insurgent groups—aiming to expose and pressure them. The situation in Thailand's Deep South remains unresolved after years of conflict. Both militants and government forces continue to adapt in a strategic tug-of-war, with civilians caught in the middle as the true victims. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai minister seeks genuine Barisan Revolusi Nasional leader for peace talks in south
BANGKOK: Phumtham urges Malaysia to ensure the real Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) leader joins peace talks after violence continues, including the killing of a Buddhist novice. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) reiterated on Monday (April 28) that he would ask the Malaysian moderator to ensure BRN sends a genuine leader to participate in peace dialogue with Thailand. Phumtham emphasised that the Thai government wished to engage in talks with a BRN leader who truly holds authority over the insurgent groups, in order to achieve lasting peace between the government and insurgents. Phumtham noted that it had been proven the BRN representative who participated in previous peace talks did not have real control over insurgent groups. "So, I don't know how to continue talks with the group," Phumtham said. At the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Phumtham challenged the BRN delegation to prove its authority by preventing violent attacks during the month. However, violent incidents continued. In the latest and most shocking incident, insurgents killed a Buddhist novice during morning alms-giving, an attack that deeply angered the Buddhist community. Phumtham said he was currently discussing the issue with the Malaysian moderator, appointed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, to facilitate the peace talks. He added that he had informed the moderator that Thailand wished to negotiate only with the real leadership of the BRN. If violence continued, Thailand would discuss further with Malaysia on how it could assist in addressing the situation. Following the latest attack, Phumtham ordered the southern army commander and the Southern Border Provinces Police Bureau to intensify security operations and implement proactive measures to prevent further violence. Phumtham said he had been assured by the commander of the Fourth Army Area and the chief of Provincial Police Bureau 9 that meetings with government agencies in the deep South had been held and they were confident proactive security measures could be successfully implemented. Phumtham also highlighted that police and army units were cooperating closely and effectively to maintain security without internal conflict. He added that the recent surge in violence prompted the Cabinet to reconsider its resolution to lift martial law in the southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and four districts of Songkhla. - The Nation/ANN
