A Study of the Causes and Conditions of Conflict Resulting from Disagreement in Thai Muslim Society in Three Southern Border Provinces

Abstract

The objectives of this study to study the causes and conditions of conflicts resulting from the differences in Thai Muslim society in the three southern border provinces For such purposes, the qualitative methods were used by studying relevant documents and data and conducting in-depth interviews on the causes and conditions of conflict stemming from the disagreement in Muslim-Thai society in the three southernmost provinces. The 27 key informants from nine groups with three members each are represented by members of the Adivisory Panel of the Shiekul Islam of Thailand, members of Islamic Committee of Thailand, members of Provincial Islamic Committee, members of Islamic Committee of masjids, executive members of Wasatiya institutions or centers, Muslim scholars in higher education institutions,  instructors or proprietor of pondok educational institutions, administrators of private Islamic schools , intensive Islamic Studies lecturers and seminar speakers.

The results indicate that the causes for the differences of opinions about religious principles in Thai Muslim society in the three southern border provinces arise from 3 main causes: 1) personal differences 2) evidential differences; and 3) differences in expressing opinions. Meanwhile, the conflicts resulting from such disageements have affected Thai-Muslim society in the three southernmost provinces in two important areas, namely, the practice of religious principles and the unity of society.