A scholarship-winning Muslim student gives her spin
on the current situation in southern Thailand

Thailand's population of 65 million includes Buddhists, Christians and Muslims. Although most people in Thailand are Buddhists, other religions such as Islam are respected as well. We have been given the freedom to practice our religion. Today, there are over seven million Thai Muslims residing in the country, and estimates place Muslims at nearly 10 percent of Thailand's total population.

Islam established itself as an important religion in Siam beginning with the religious conversions along the Malay Peninsular in the 1450s. Islam spread into Siam through merchants from Persia and India, who prospered in ancient Ayutthaya because no obstacles were placed in their path. Siamese kings appointed Muslims to top administrative positions, donated funds for Islamic ceremonies and upheld the principle of religious freedom.

Since 1932, when the absolute monarchy changed into a democratic system, the nation's various constitutions have embodied the principle of religious freedom for all Thai people. Thailand's first Constitution decreed under Article 13 that individuals have the right to hold religious beliefs.

Nevertheless, many misconceptions persist about Thai Muslims. The existence of such misunderstanding is detrimental to both Buddhist and Muslim citizens. Sometimes there is confusion because people do not know about my religion. The image of Thai Muslims is only worsened because of actions taken by Muslims in other countries. I know that some people make problems, so I try to influence attitudes by developing better understanding about Islam.

Southern conflicts

For nearly 600 years, Muslims and Thais have had few problems. For the most part, we have lived alongside Buddhists as good neighbors. Thai people help each other out when somebody has a problem, and our amiable nature crosses religious boundaries.

Many conflicts have ignited with the spread of globalization. The attack in the United States on September 11 affected many people around the world, including Muslims. There was already violence in the four southern provinces (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Satun) at that time, and the terrorist activities abroad only made the situation worse at home.

Nevertheless, the so-called "Muslim problem" should not be viewed as a religious conflict or one based on the perception that religious rights are being denied. The sources of problems in the Deep South are political, social and economic.

Politically, the situation stems from the descendants of local rulers who desire powerful positions that were lost at the beginning of the twentieth century. They want to return to the previous system of semi-autonomous provincial rule.

In social terms, there are cultural problems related to differences in languages, lifestyles, customs and traditions. Most people in the four provinces speak Yawi as their native tongue, and this has caused conflicts at government offices and local schools that insist on the Thai language.

Economically, the problem in the southern provinces relates to fluctuating world markets and the price of rubber, which is the main product of the four provinces. The majority of the population has been adversely affected because their livelihood is tied to rubber plantations. The violence that happens is partially caused by unstable income and imbalances in wealth.

Some opportunist Muslim groups want to take advantage of these problems, but it is wrong to think that the conflicts arise out of Islamic beliefs.

Building solidarity

There are more than 3,000 registered mosques in Thailand. Mosques are the center of the Muslim community, just like temples are the center for Buddhist people. They are used for social activities and religious services. Therefore, these community centers play a crucial role in resolving the present conflicts in Thailand.

Likewise, education also brings people together. Thai Muslims are not obstructed from studying Islam from secondary school to the university level. Women can wear religious clothing (hijab) in government schools and the work place. There are many private Islamic schools (ponohs) in provinces where Islam and Arabic are taught. We are free to travel abroad for religious studies in Islamic countries.

Although the king of Thailand is Buddhist, he is also a patron of all religions in the country. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej supports the Islamic religion. He encouraged the translation of the Qur'an into Thai and gave personal funding for the printing of this Holy book. Upon completion of the printing, his majesty presented the Qur'an to Thai Muslim leaders in various provinces for their use and benefit. The King of Thailand also gives awards to teachers of Islam.

The Thai government also contributes funding to the renovation of mosques - as is done with Buddhist temples. These schools and community centers are good places for building solidarity and better understanding between the faiths.

It can be done

In Ayutthaya, where I live, there are over 130,000 Thai Muslims and approximately 60 mosques. Ayutthaya has a strong Muslim presence - from the shrines of ancient Muslim leaders, to vendors selling roti sai mai, to a number of neighborhoods where prayer calls can be heard five times a day. The way of life between Buddhists and Muslims is harmonious. Living together does not mean collating each religion into a single form; it means sharing them all in one's community peacefully.

In my opinion, Ayutthaya has been able to prevent religious conflict because its people are naturally kind, generous and helpful. I have many Buddhist friends who take care of me regardless of my religious background, and I offer the same good will to them. Our religious differences need not lead to misunderstanding and conflict.

I am proud to be a Thai Muslim. I was born in Thailand and enjoy my religious freedom. All Thai Muslims are Thai citizens. We play an important role in Thai society. Solidarity can be enjoyed by Muslims and Buddhists as long there are mutually shared opportunities for happiness and well-being.

source : http://www.bangkokpost.com/education/site2007/svoc3007.htm

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Last modified: October 26, 2007