PROCESS IN THE FOUR SOUTHERNMOST PROVINCES OF THAILAND
POLICY : A CASE STUDY OF PATTANI PROVINCE.
ITTHICHAI SEEDAM
1. Introduction
The history of Pattani province started from post war between Pattani and
Siam during the reign of Phra Bat Somdej Phra Puttayodphajuralok when Pattani was defeated in the battle and Siam ruled Pattani. The administration during that time was peaceful and normal. Later in the reign of Phra Bat Somdej Phra Juljomklaojaoyuhao, the administration had been reformed, including the southern region. He had abolished the ruling system in all seven towns of Pattiani and used “ Pattani Montol
Thasapibarn” instead to reduce the power of all town rulers. Officers from the Central
Administration were sent to govern Pattani instead and because of different cultures and understanding of social and lifestyles, including religious beliefs of locals, the administration was rather difficult, leading to conflicts between the central administration and Pattani residents which originated the disturbances in the southern bordering province. The situation continued to get worse and affected Muslim in that area from the administered policy of Luang Piboon Songkhram in “Extreme
Nationalism” that barred Muslims from leading their traditional lifestyles. Later the government under the administration of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat had proceeded with mixed cultures by allowing the Islamic School to operate directly under the
Ministry of Education, taught in Thai language only, not Arabic or Yavi to comply with Thai laws. In the administration of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikajorn, the government policies for the southern bordering provinces remained the same from oppression and bias. Killing people, injustice were commonly practicing. Therefore,
Muslim people’s fighting in the southern bordering province had changed from direct attack to become terrorists. The government in that