Abstract:
The thesis aims to study the diversity and facilitating factors leading to the social changes in the Malay-Muslim society of Thailands southern provinces. The study is being carried out through the lens of Islamic ideology, Malay identity, concept of peace and violence. The study also focuses on the dynamics of identity politics, discourse on religious value, Malay identity and its effects on violence and peace. The study employs qualitative research methods through in-depth interviews and focus group interviews. Combination of research techniques have been applied which includes documentary and data collection in the field; purposive sample study on different Muslim factions in several areas of Southern provinces with a specific focus on Khana Kao (Conservative Wing) and Khana Mai (Progressive Wing). The research found that the ideological diversity in religious and ritual practices is not the major factors or problems leading to the violence. Though conflict appears among communities, it is not the principal factor driving the violence in the area. In fact, the current ideological conflict between Khana Khao (Conservative Wing) and Khana Mai (Progressive Wing) has gradually reduced as the communities are facing common challenges. The increasing violent attacks by the separatists/ terrorist groups and challenges posed by some of the government policies and practices that contradict to the Malay- Muslim way of life have generated collaboration between Khana Khao (Conservative Wing) and Khana Mai (Progressive Wing) to jointly solve problems pertaining the conflict in the communities in order to preserve Malay-Muslim identity and Islamic way of life.