Pattani: An inter-faith conflict is brewing in predominantly Muslim Pattani province against a plan by the provincial authority to build a seaside Buddha Monthon, or Buddhist park, in Muang district, with the threat of a mass protest looming.
A Pattani provincial advisory committee recently approved the project to construct the Buddha Monthon on 100 rai of land in the Pak Ao area of tambon Rusamilae in Muang district at a cost of 200 million baht, to be partially funded by public donations.
The meeting, chaired by Phanu Uthairat, secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), was attended by provincial governor Weerapong Kaewsuwan, and Phra Siri Jariyalangkarn, head of the Pattani Buddhist clergy.
On hearing about the project, both religious leaders and residents have decried the planned park insisting it neglects religious sensitivities and could touch off a row between Buddhists and Muslims.
They plan to respond to the project, possibly with a mass protest in neighbouring Yala province.
It was reported that an earlier project to build a Buddha statue in Nam Tok Sai Khao National Park, a tourist spot popular with Muslims in the Khok Pho district of Pattani, also upset residents.
A source said the project had resulted in a surge of public displeasure against the authorities for proposing such a large religious construction be erected without local consultation.
Religious leaders in the three Muslim-dominated southern border provinces have also voiced opposition to the park, set for completion this year.
Waedueramae Mamingji, chairman of the Pattani Islamic Committee and chairman of the Network of the Islamic Committees of the Three Southern Border Provinces, urged provincial authorities to reconsider.
He warned of "problems" if the province went ahead without listening to the opinions of local people. Construction of a Buddha image in the park surrounded by areas largely dominated by Muslims would not be acceptable to locals, he said.
Mr Waedueramae, however, insisted that Muslim residents were not against Buddhist temples being built near their communities as they recognised the people's basic right to freedom of religion. "We live like brothers and sisters and respect one another," he said.
But the authorities had gone too far in wanting to add a large-scale project such as the park. Public sentiment and sensitivity must not be ignored, he added.
He insisted no pretext should be created that will divide people of different faiths because they must work together to develop the province, with Muslims making up 80% of the population, compared with Buddhists at 15%.
"Will the agencies concerned please reconsider [the project] for the sake of peace and stability for us here?" he said.
The source said the project could cause a fresh wave of conflict and deepen the distrust locals have towards authorities in the restive South, which has been dogged by more than a decade of bloody insurgent violence.
The project is taking shape as the provincial committee prepares postcards to be distributed to residents to solicit donations for the park.
The source said the last thing authorities need is something that would hamper peace efforts in the far South.
According to the source, the park project has been around for some time. It was first proposed in the Nong Chik district close to the Maprao roundabout on Road No. 418, which has many Muslim communities living along it.
Authorities later decided to build the park in Muang district.
The decision was believed to stem mainly from inconvenient transport access to the Nong Chik site as well as budget constraints.
Worawit Bahru, the former Pattani senator, urged those involved to rethink the park project, saying the plan may be tenable in principle, but it could have profound social, and even commercial ramifications.
"Go right ahead [with the park] if the authorities are interested only in exercising their power," he said, adding Pattani draws its strength from being a significant Muslim province which is now an important producer and exporter of Halal foods.
If any construction alters the province's identity and standing, there is the risk it could hurt Pattani's potential in commerce, Mr Worawit said.
He suggested a hearing be held to sound out the opinions of people living in the area.
"What purpose will the park serve? There are a number of other activities which can be initiated that promote Buddhism just as well," the former senator added.