The problem of the three southernmost provinces has a long history, and to understand these problems requires a thorough understanding of history without prejudice.
Parts of the region's history that need to be understood include the Dusan Nyor Rebellion case in 1948 and the case of the kidnapping of Haji Sulong in 1954, as well as his proposals based on peaceful means to the government at that period.
It is a long history of ethnic discrimination and development from a city-state to a nation-state due to colonisation in the region over a century ago.
Without having knowledge of these matters, as well as not understanding the root cause and many different cultures in the Thai state, the idea of solving the problem becomes distorted. Instead of solving the problem, it creates even more problems.
Despite a large amount of research on the three southernmost provinces, the bureaucracy and civil servants have not changed their mindset on how to address key issues.
New policies, from the central authorities in Bangkok, still have a lot of flaws and are unable to solve the problems that are faced.
'Understanding, Accessing, Developing'
The agency that has a direct responsibility to solve the area's challenges is the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), which has prepared strategies that provide guidelines for southern development.
The main strategy -- Strategy 1 -- comes from the monarchy.
Strategy 1 is focused on developing management with participation and integrating problems in special areas. This is done by adopting the strategy of "Understanding, Accessing, Developing" from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (King Rama IX) and the royally initiated approach of His Majesty King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI).
King Rama VI stated that: "Any practice that gives citizens the impression of persecution and abuse of the Islamic religion must be abolished or amended immediately. Any restructuring regulations must not be contrary to the doctrine of Islam. Or, it's even better to see it as a support for the Islamic religion."
From this, it is clear that the two kings had a long vision that provides clear and concrete policy guidelines.
But a mindset shrouded in bias, whether it's religious bias or ethnic with a deeply rooted belief that a stable nation must change all people within it to have the same cultural and even religious traditions, makes solving the South's problems even more complicated.
If the royal command of King Rama IX, of "Understanding, Accessing, Developing", were followed then all problems would be solved easily.
Although some agencies or some government officials embrace the King's guidance if the steps are not followed in sequence -- that is it does not begin with understanding, which means one must study history, culture and language until fully understood, it is ineffective.
Often officials jump to the development stage as it is tangible and easy to measure but such shortcuts have contributed to the myth that deep-rooted conflicts have been resolved when they haven't.
But this strategy is very important for SBPAC and the other strategies that follow are considered secondary.
Strategy 2 is focused on strengthening and encouraging members of villages and communities to become involved in the peace-building process.
Strategy 3 looks to create space and an environment to come up with peaceful solutions to conflict.
Strategy 4 is about the promotion of education, religion, language, arts, multicultural and local history.
Strategy 5 is the optimisation of the protection of rights and freedoms, including the promotion of human rights, the proper administration of justice and law enforcement and the promotion of religious principles or community justice.
Strategy 6 involves the strengthening of confidence in the provinces through the increase of efficient economic development in accordance with the local way of life and the needs of local people.
Strategy 7 is about social development, quality of life, sports, tourism and improvement of the lives of those considered underprivileged.
Strategy 8 looks at how to communicate to create a better understanding of each other.
Strategy 9 places importance on strengthening cooperation with foreign countries and preparations for entering the Asean community.
Considerations
Currently, the SBPAC is still under the dominance of security agencies such as the army, Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) and the police.
The military regime authorised Isoc to be the main agency in solving problems in the south but the military's concepts and doctrines are mainly focused on the use of force.
Although there is a civil affairs unit to carry out recreational activities in the form of psychological operations, it nevertheless has proved to complicate problems further.
For more than 10 years, solving problems in the three restive southern border provinces has been undermined by the use of martial law or declared state of emergency. Such methods end up being counterproductive and wasteful, with budgets being squandered.
Looking forward, a more democratic and decentralising approach should be considered -- one that empowers local administrations with the support of the central government where they become a local government like Bangkok or even Pattaya.
But most of all, martial law must be abolished as it is a major obstacle. Like it or not, such laws are a reminder that we're unable to resolve our problems in a normal fashion.
And no internal conflict can occur without it being a concern of outside parties. Unrest in Thailand's southern border provinces also involves ethnic Malays and in this regard, Malaysia needs to be part of the solution process.
As the majority of residents in the three provinces are Muslim, then people of the Islamic faith from around the world should also be welcomed to contribute to any peace process.
If we think the best solutions are peace talks or negotiations with groups such as Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), then we cannot ignore the role of Malaysia.
Established communication between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur must be constantly nourished. In the past, the Malaysian government has shown positive support by providing facilities for peace talks between representatives of both sides.
In addition, the recent revival of diplomatic relationships between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could support the goal of conducting peace talks through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Prof Lt Gen Somchai Virunhaphol is a former lecturer of The Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.
