Activists, academics meet to discuss path to peace in deep South | Bangkok Post: news

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Civil society role vital in southern peace process

Without the support of civil society groups and strong political will to succeed, lasting peace in troubled regions such as the far South of Thailand, is unlikely, says an activist from Sumatra's formerly volatile province of Aceh.

The relatively smooth transition in Aceh from a conflict zone to a developing area governed by an elected local government could be attributed to a number of factors, said Juanda Djamal, secretary-general of the New Aceh Consortium.

But the main success factor, he said, had been the political will of the government and the unwavering push from local civil society for a peaceful resolution.

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  • oldairman

    ThailandPost : 805

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    Discussion 5 : 23 Mar 2013 at 07.325

    From reading the post I have come to the conclusion that the early round of peace talks may succeed and I really hope that they do.
    The problem will come when the hardliners are left because the Thai government of most colours does not have the political will to let go and there does not appear to be a strong enough effort from the civilian population to get together.
    Perhaps there is no natural leader in the South for them to get behind and support or possibly nobody is that willing to put there lives on the line yet. I don't know and I don't live down there to have any real knowledge but something HAS to be done and somebody HAS to do it.

  • onlyasking

    ThailandPost : 485

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    Discussion 4 : 23 Mar 2013 at 07.284

    There are too many splinter groups to have an instant peace. But by openly and honestly negotiating with the non fanatical terrorists Thailand can over the short term achieve two things: They can put pressure on Malaysia to cut off support to the terrorists and they can win over the hearts and minds of the non fanatical southern population. This would isolate the fanatical groups and make it more difficult for them to operate. Over time as the negotiated changes takes effect one can only hope that the fanatics can be smothered and in the end be forced to negotiate. Unfortunately no instant solutions available.

  • jpk

    ThailandPost : 102

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    Discussion 3 : 23 Mar 2013 at 06.213

    "Civil Society" is a little redundant. Thailand should work on becoming a civilized society, IMHO.

  • bluebottle

    ThailandPost : 1,583

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    Discussion 2 : 22 Mar 2013 at 20.502

    Negotiations will be fruitful only if both sides enter without preconceived ideas .Do the Thais team even understand the need and wishes of there other side,I doubt it.We see Thai negotiations daily on TV shout first if that dose not have the desired effect thrash out or shoot.

  • spiceman

    United StatesPost : 3,561

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    Discussion 1 : 22 Mar 2013 at 18.161

    How can we negotiate with bombs and bullets? And do we know yet who is calling the shots in the Deep South? Otherwise, any new written agreement like the latest one will be nothing more than a worthless piece of paper.

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