Southern problems

[Bamboo Grove]

I've always liked all the different parts of Thailand and I'm always sad to see stories telling about the problems in the south. The first time I went through the south was in 1990 when I did most of the provinces. It was good fun. People in the busses were friendly, some of the local muslims would come and shake my hand when they left the bus even when we hadn't even talked to each other. The bus driver from Hat Yai to Yala took me to a hotel in Yala, when he heard I'd never been there before. This was after letting all the others off from the bus. Just to name a few examples. Now, why is it that this problem can't be solved?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2 ... lost-cause

[hhfarang]

It probably could be but as usual politicians tend to get in the way instead of trying to solve it.

[Takiap]

Times have changed I guess, as they have everywhere. From what I can gather, the unrest in the south will only stop if the three main provinces get independence? Of course if that were to happen, others would start trouble because it happened, so it's really a catch 22 situation.

OP, I been down that way, and for the most part, the locals still are as friendly as ever. You just don't know when the next bomb is going to go off. Very sad, but personally I can't see things changing anytime soon.

[hhfarang]

As I understand it the problem in Ireland was solved by giving the IRA a voice and some power within the government. That raged on for years and was settled. This can be too if reasonable people on the sides of the separatists and the government will just sit down and work something out, but you're right. Having said that I can't see things changing any time soon either.

[STEVE G]

Another big problem is that the issue is a big money earner for the Army who don't really have much incentive in actually stopping the unrest.