Do you think that the Southerners will ever learn their lesson?

Question

When you study Thai history (and a bit of Malaysian history), the Southern Thais were once a 'great' community and a small kingdom by itself.

During the Ayutthaya period, the Pattani Malays allied with the Burmese to betray the Siamese and resulted in defeat (a bad one too).

Presently, we are experiencing the same phenomena within Thailand, where they are fighting amongst themselves too ---in the name of religion, of an independent state, for rights, and for who-knows-what.

The Malaysian education system seldom mention of their historical links and significances of the Pattani 'kingdom' and had mentioned of 'past rulers of Pattani were forced (and refused) to kneel and bow before the King of Siam) therefore, fuming more hatred towards the Thais by Malays for their ancestors had been 'ill-treated' and 'being bullied' by the Siamese.

You might find this interesting:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattani_kingdom

Answer 1

Maybe Malays are trying to portray it as a religious strugle but I tell you it isn't. It's plain Malay fight. I've been to South of Thailand and amazingly, something you won't hear in Malaysia there are also non-Malay Thai Muslims. Ethnically they're Thai but their religion is Islam. They have nothing to do with the issue. I've asked Muslims who live in Bangkok, some of them Thais and some of them foreigners (Arabs, Somalians and Ghanans) what's actually going on in the South and they've told me they don't know much, they said Malays are making some fuss down there. Thai people say Malaysia is backing the insurgency, although no formal accusation has been made by Thai government, neither has been found a proof to support the claims.

But weak Thailand would definitely be a benefit for Malaysia. General Sonthi, an ethnic Thai Muslim, has tried to settle the insurgency through negotiations, however Thai Muslims don't have much in common with Malays and his effort was nill.

On the other hand, colonisation by Ayutthaya wasn't really something wonderful, Thais were quite an oppressor. But we have to understand that Malays are the only nation in the world who have taken a guy who betrayed his best friend after his best friend risked his neck for him as a national hero (see Hang Tuah). Malays see betrayal as something noble.

Answer 2

You see this phenomenon throughout the world - groups of people claiming nation status on the basis of past history, common language, religion, etc. A lot of these groups, if they were successful, would probably lead to the creation of countries that would not be viable entities on their own. Sometimes you are better off being a semi-autonomous part of a larger nation, retaining your own history, culture, etc. but at the same time enjoying the benefits of being part of the larger nation that you belong to. A perfect example of this is Scotland. It's been an independent nation at various times in it's history, and has unique history, culture, etc. But it has probably benefitted more by being a part of the U.K. while at the same time retaining it's sense of Scottish nationality.

Answer 3

Theres been such distinctive blunders i've got made in life, that i've got had to learn much greater classes. - to no longer take others with none attention - rejoice with what you have till now its lengthy previous - do no longer lie, tell the certainty My lifes a real genuine mess regrettably, yet each and every lesson i've got learnt has made me better :) xx

Answer 4

Not likely, especially when external influences are allowed to operate freely there. The Thai Muslims have to band together to reject external militantt influences.

Answer 5

ahhh Bear, thanks for the history - - but no, I do not think that humanity in general will learn their lesson, at least not in my life span.. I don't have a good understanding of why people cause each other so much pain... w/oft seemingly so little remorse..

Answer 6

does wanting a separate state give the Malays the right to kill innocent children and women.