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September 29, 2006

Thailand: Islamist Insurgent Campaign Continues

Since January 4, 2004, the southern provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala, as well as two districts of Songkhla province, have been involved in an insurgency which has killed at least 1,400 people. One Thai academic estimates there have been more than 1,700 killings. The southern provinces had formerly been an independent Sultanate, but in 1906 this became annexed within Siam. The inhabitants of the three provinces of the south are predominantly Muslims, who make up 80% of the demographic and are ethnic Malays.

The Bangkok Post and the Nation report that today, three bombs were set off in Narathiwat province this morning. Around 7.40 am local time, a bomb went off near a teashop in Muang district. The teashop was known to be frequented by traffic police. The bomb, weighing about 7 kilograms, had been secluded in a ditch, and was detonated using mobile phone signal.

A traffic policeman, Sergeant-Major Wichit Chanwidoon, was hit by shrapnel in his right thigh, but was well enough tobe discharged from hospital later. A fish shop by the teashop suffered damage, and shrapnel was spread across the road.

In Bacho district in Narathiwat province, two other bombs were set off. These bombs, weighing about 5 kilograms, had been left under a bench. No-one was hurt when these went off.

In Si Sakhon district in the same province, a member of the local administration of Choengkiri tambon (borough) was killed today. 37-year old Saipuding Muming was riding his motorcycle to attend a meeting when a pick-up truck carrying four people drew up. One of the individuals in the truck shot him.

The Nation writes of the sanctions imposed on Thailand since the bloodless military coup of September 19. It also announced that yesterday the European Union criticized the suspension of democracy and political campaigning which has been ordered by the military.

The European presidency is currently held by Finland, and a statement from Helsinki read: "The European Union attaches great importance to Thailand's speedy return to democracy and constitutional order, legitimised by free and democratic elections to be held as soon as possible."

Since 9/11, Thailand has been a supporter of the US "war on terror". It is also diplomatic ally of the US and a non-NATO ally. The sanctions imposed by the US State Department may put under threat "Cobra Gold". This is an annual live-fire exercise, the largest US war game event in Asia. Usually this is hosted by the US and Thailand. The exercises were initiated 25 years ago.

Despite the issues with the coup, according to Stuff and AKI, the US has given its support for the nomination of a former Thai foreign minister, Surin Pitsuwan, as a candidate to replace Kofi Annan as the United Nations secretary general. Surin is a Muslim. John Bolton, US ambassador to the UN, is pushing for a quick resolution to the issue of Annan's replacement.

The coup was led by General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, a Muslim. A new administrative body has been set up in Thailand, with Gen. Sonthi as its head. This group calls itself the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR), and on September 22, the Thai monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej officially endorsed the CDR.

The Bangkok Post reports that the CDR head, Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, has announced today that the media should become involved in drafting a permanent constitution, which will come into effect when democracy returns. He made the suggestion while meeting a 20-strong delegation from the Press Council of Thailand.

On Sunday, an interim constitution will come into effect, which has drawn concerns from the delegates. Gen Sonthi said that the interim constitution had included allowances for press freedoms, and said the CDR depended upon the support of the people and the press. The interim constitution has already been presented to King Bhumibol for royal assent.

Sonthi suggested that the mass media nominate a representative to sit on the 35-member panel which he has set to draft the permanent constitution.

A bloodless coup, supported by many of the populace and also by businesses is one thing, as long as it is done with the intention of restoring democracy. For the leaders of this coup to then start tampering with a new constitution is a step too far. A constitution can only be made by the elected representatives of a democracy. Anything else is a step towards totalitarianism. The unelected CDR is moving in directions which will ultimately become sources of discord and dissent.

UPDATE: According to the Times, the King is expected to confirm the appointment of Surayud Chulanont, a 63-year old member of the Privy Council, as national leader.

Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at September 29, 2006 9:21 PM

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