Militant Islamic Separatism in Southern Thailand

Islamic fundamentalist violence in Thailand centres on the separatist activities of the Malay-Muslim population in the three southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. ¹ Historically constituted as part of the former Kingdom of Patani, three main pillars underscore Malay separatist identity in this region: a belief in the traditional virtues and “greatness” of the Kingdom of Patani (Patani Darussalam); an identification with the Malay race; and a religious orientation based on Islam. ² These three ingredients are woven together in the principle of hijra (literally translated, means “emigration in the cause of God”). This asserts that all Islamic communities have both a religious right and duty to “withdraw” from any form of persecution or discrimination that is serving to place their survival in jeopardy. ³ It is on the basis of this religious edict that Malay-Muslim instigated civil disobedience and political violence in southern Thailand has been justified over the past three decades.