Enhancing Peacebuilding in Thailand’s Deep South: a Workable Path?

Authors: Srisompob Jitpiromsri, Paul Chambers and Napisa Waitoolkiat

Abstract

Thailand’s Deep South has been embroiled in exacerbated insurgency since 2004. In 2025 the region is experiencing an upsurge in violence. How did this conflict begin? Can it be diminished or concluded? This paper argues that the Thai state has possessed insufficient legitimacy for its peace policies to end the insurrection. Indeed, Thailand has followed an illiberal peacebuilding agenda in the Deep South. This paper then examines the conflict, analyzes to what extent it might continue, looks at potential methods to diminish it, and offers a conclusion.

References : Journal of International Peacekeeping