In August 2014, seven people died and eleven were wounded in the Deep South of Thailand. The attacks occurred in only two provinces, Pattani and Yala. This means a decrease of attacks in comparison to July. In the province of Narathiwat no attack was reported.
Overview
The victims were injured and killed by bombs or gunshots in Yala’s Yaha, Than To and Raman districts as well as in Pattani’s Mayo, Yarang and Khok Pho districts. The graph below shows the groups the victims belong to. Most of them are from the official sector. For example, policemen who provide security for teachers in the Deep South region are the most at risk group for attacks. Of the ten attacks this month, four resulted in law enforcement casualties. Followed by the group, “Other/ Unknown”, includes civilians.
Peace talks in the Deep South
The reasons behind the violence in the southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat can be traced back to the history, identity and different religious ideology of the parties. After the unrest in May, and an increase of attacks in July 2014, there is a noticeable decline in the month of August. One reason may be due to the closure of religious holidays and festivals. Another reason may be due to the continuation of peace talks in the Deep South of Thailand between the separatist movement, Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) who resumed their efforts for peace in this region.
Goals of the dialogue are to figure out better ways to stabilize the situation in the three provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat and to rebuild an environment that will be conducive for peace, stability and security, said General Akanit. (Bangkok Post)
The peace process will proceed in two phases. First, the provisional government makes laws for national reform and doctoral regulations. The second will be to pass on the work to the next government. The NCPO set up an executive policy committee for the action and a peace dialogue commission for the strategies of the peace talks with General Prayuth as the chairman. Former negotiations between the NSC und the government under the former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawathra and the insurgent groups, led by BRN, started on 28 of February and failed in October 2013 after only five rounds. (Bangkok Post)
Mr. Culbert, former member of the IRA said that in Thailand’s case the “military wings” of each group involved might see the need to continue fighting, but it is important for the “political wings” of all groups to be involved in negotiations leading to the peace process. (Bangkok Post)
There is a two track peace process for the Deep South region. The first is the official process for international and public consumption. The second one involves talks between Thai security forces and mid-ranking separatist leaders who have direct command over the insurgents. One goal, for example, could be the declaring of demilitarized zones. However, there is no sign for autonomy in any of these regions. The Thai Army has resisted any calls for autonomy and it is very likely that they will continue resisting. (The Nation, VOA)
To download the PDF Version please click here: Monthly Security Report – August, 2014
For further information on seperate attacks, please consult HDFF’s South Thailand Security Map: HDFF South Thailand Incident Map