Abstract:
There are several objectives for this research : 1) To learn about the causes of the problem. 2) To
learn what people in Thailand think about regional autonomy. 3) To propose ways to stop the
violence by learning from knowledgeable people, both inside and outside the area, who have
experience in conflict resolution between the government and ethnic groups in neighboring
countries.
This research was conducted through documentary research, field research, focus group discussions
and in-depth interviews from March 2006 to July 2007. It was found that among the causes of the
violence were conflicts over local history, social identity, and the assimilation policy. Also, there has
been a lack of strategic development and integrity in the governments attempts to solve the problem.
Government officers lack knowledge, have abused power, and have been unfair in legal and social
practice. As to opinion about regional autonomy, there was agreement, disagreement and indecision.
Four ideas emerged as proposals about administrative issues under a regional autonomy model.
1) Keep the original administrative structure but decentralize it according to the Constitution.
2) Form small local government organizations.
3) Maintain the original administrative structure, increase power to the local area, and increase the
power of the elected delegates relative to the appointed governor.
4) Use the emergency laws to appoint local leaders who represent local identity, establish local
councils, organize traditional Islamic Council and utilize Syariah Islam.