Thai Military Turn to Civil Volunteers to Quell Violence in the South

Muslim insurgent attacks regularly target state officials, including teachers in south Thailand. Schools have also been firebombed. Back in June an eight month pregnant teacher was shot. Indeed, over 100 teachers have been killed. The death toll since 2004 has now surpassed the 3,000 mark.

Since 2004 the spiralling of bloodshed led to the formation of rangers and self defence groups under so-called village protection programs. The volunteers assist soldiers, help man road blocks, guard schools, and add additional security to convoys. The strategy aims to reduce violence and improve surveillance - leaving police and military only as a last line of defence.

Weapons proliferation

But such programs have also led to a proliferation of weapons. Among a population of two million in the provinces some 160,000 weapons are officially registered. Guns are also available to state officials, including teachers.

Yala Deputy Governor Krisada Boonrath says, public participation has helped lower the violence. Mr. Krisada’s staff has been the target of shootings by insurgents. He says he is less concerned over the proliferation of weapons,

"The situation has improved – and not just from the arms supply – I think from the people participation in the area that is the important factor. I am not quite concerned about this issue. But I have a program to reduce the arms but at this time I am not concerned."

Rangers linked to attacks

But rights groups point to incidents where rangers are reported to have been linked to attacks on mosques. Representative for NonViolence International, Fred Lubang, says the arming of communities increases the mistrust between the Thai Buddhists and the Malay Muslims.

"It arms communities – so we’re looking at a scenario where each would be armed, acting violently to each other," said Lubanhg. "So if indeed the policies stay the same we’re moving towards that direction."

Chayanit Pulyasap, a lecturer in political science at Thammasat University, says the arming of civilians also creates a false sense of security.

"It mostly has to do with misunderstanding – could call it the myth of firearms. We usually think firearms imply security, but in reality that is not unfortunately the case. It brings the worst solution to the problem in the South which is already very problematic right now."

Few signs of a major break-through in the violence in the South are evident. The recent fresh surge in violence has come as senior Thai officers were pointing to progress in efforts to win greater Muslim community support to security measures.

Author: Ron Corben
Editor: Grahame Lucas