ABSTRACT
Title Civil Society Organizations Management for Supporting
the Thailand’s Deep South Conflict Resolution
Field Military Affairs
Name Mr.Thawatchai Rittagorn Course NDC Class 57
This research study aims to (1) examine the role of civil society organizations
(CSOs) in the Thailand’s Deep South conflict resolution under the government’s
strategies; and (2) provide management strategies for these CSOs to achieve the
ultimate efficiency of peaceful conflict resolution in the southernmost provinces. This
research used the qualitative method employing relevant documentary on CSOs’
activities and movement in southern border provinces and in social media network. According to this research, CSOs in the southernmost region were established
and driven by the international peace process. They are mostly funded and educated
from international government organizations and international non-government
organizations. CSOs are the most important significant actors in Deep South conflict
resolution due to the ability to approach to people at grass-root level and to mediate
the better understanding in conflict between state government/agencies and the
public. From 2004 to present, there have been 524 civil society organizations founded
in this region.
CSOs could have both positive and negative aspects of impact in Deep South
conflict resolution policy. The positive effect is implied from the working of Civil
Society Council of Southernmost Thailand that (1) encourages peace process; (2)
advocates violence reduction; and (3) mediates the working on the needs of the
locals for the state resolution policy. While the negative effect is found in CSOs linked2
to The Federation of Patanian Student and Youth (Persekutuan Mahasiswa Anak Muda
dan Siswa Se-Patani – PerMAS), which aim to support right to self-determination
campaign (RSD) and the referendum for PATANI independence that go against the
concept of territorial integrity in the constitution. This research concludes that Deep South CSOs efficient management can be
(1) working cooperation/utilization based on the government’s Action Plan on
Southern Border Provinces Development, 2015-2017; and (2) monitoring and
verification of the linkage with violent activities of any civil society groups by using
law enforcement together with public/worldwide clarification/demonstration to
illegitimate their movement.
