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An Analysis of the Role of Civil Society in Building Peace in Ethno-religious Conflict: A Case Study of the Three Southernmost Provinces of Thailand A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science and Public Policy at The University of Waikato by KAYANEE CHOR BOONPUNTH 2015 ii Abstract The ‘Southern Fire’ is an ethno-religious conflict in the southernmost region of Thailand that has claimed thousands of innocent lives since an upsurge in violence in 2004. Although it does not catch the world’s attention as much as other conflict cases in the same region, daily violent incidents are ongoing for more than a decade. The violence in the south has multiple causes including historical concerns, economic marginalisation, political and social issues, religious and cultural differences, educational opportunity inequities, and judicial discrimination. According to a framework for conflict resolution, for Thailand’s case, the state’s policy alone could not resolve the conflict as it focused mainly on implementing a ‘peacekeeping’ strategy by increasing the number of security forces and pursuing a ‘peacemaking’ strategy via peace talks. However, to create lasting peace in this region, civil society actors need to be involved in a ‘peacebuilding’ strategy in order to keep the balance of socio-economic structures and prevent violence from happening again. More than a hundred civil society groups are involved in attempting to build peace in the southernmost provinces. Since the resurgence of violence, some civil society groups have accumulated their experiences and played significant roles in the area. These groups have become a strong network which could reduce the tensions in this region. The research aims to promote the civil society sector as a tool of a non-violent approach; to study the role of the civil society sector in building peace in the southernmost provinces; and to strengthen civil society groups attempting to find a solution to the insurgent problem. This research used the qualitative method employing in-depth interviews and documentary research. The data was collected through person-to-person interviews with representatives of twenty-nine civil society groups. This research examines the role of the civil society sector in building peace in southern region; the efficacy of civil society groups; the problems of civil society groups active in the south; and puts forward recommendations on how to improve the work of the civil society groups. iii One of the main findings was that bridge-builder, academic and relief worker are the most significant roles civil society groups play. The efficacy of the civil society sector in peacebuilding in the deep south shows that it has the potential to grow. It has a number of strong internal factors and many external opportunities that can increase capabilities and help the groups to perform better. There are, however, four important problems including human resources, time management, influence from funding sources, and political and safety issues, which can have a serious impact on the civil society sector. The three key recommendations that can help to enhance the performance of civil society groups are building trust in the communities, understanding the needs of the locals, and working with a clear strategy. This research concludes that the civil society sector plays various roles in attempting to create peace in this region. Together with other actors, the civil society sector can be an important part of the effort to reduce the violence and can play a major role in building sustainable peace in southern Thailand when the violence eventually stops. iv Acknowledgements The four years I spent on developing this thesis was one of the most challenging times in my life. Although there were some difficulties along the way, these experiences enriched me and developed skills in many ways. Besides the University of Waikato which provided me with professional facilities for studying, I was supported by a list of people. Without the following people, I could not have achieved one of my highest goals to complete this PhD. I would like to express my deep gratitude to: My chief supervisor, Dr. Mark Rolls, whose encouragement, stimulating suggestions, guidance and support from the beginning to the final stage enabled me to complete this thesis. He put in a lot of effort to raise me to his high standards in order to finish this research. He read my chapters very carefully and gave clear directions and useful viewpoints. He not only supported me during my studying but also offered advice on living in New Zealand. He made sure my stay in New Zealand went well. Thanks again for the many things you have done for me. Dr. Ron Smith, my second supervisor, provided me with valuable and experienced advice and was very helpful in developing and strengthening my thesis. Discussions with him always resulted in with interesting points of view that broadened my thought processes. It is an honour to receive his guidance and support. Assistance in English academic writing was provided by Sheeba Devan-Rolls, the Tutoring Assistant for International Students, and her input was greatly appreciated. She spent time helping me with English grammar to improve my chapters. She helped me with attention to detail which gave me more confidence in my work. I also would like to thank my office friends, PhD colleagues and lecturers in the Department of Political Science for their friendship, shared experiences, knowledge and support. My special thanks to Frances Douch, our programme administrator, who was always keen to help which made my studying at FASS go smoothly. v Furthermore, I wish to express my gratitude to the Thai Royal Government and Prince of Songkla University who granted me the scholarship to further my degree in New Zealand. My special thanks to staff at the Office of Educational Affairs, Australia and the Faculty of Management Sciences, PSU for their cooperation and prompt assistance. I wish also to acknowledge the participation of my fieldwork respondents who dedicated their time for my interviews. I was impressed by their warm welcome and enthusiasm to cooperate with my research. They gave me inspiration to work in communities where help is needed and fostered a volunteering spirit that gives me a sense of purpose. Friendship and great encouragement from my flatmates and friends in New Zealand and also in Thailand made my stay in New Zealand full with good memories and awesome experiences which I will never forget. I wish to thank various people in the Thai community in Hamilton who made me feel at home throughout my staying in Hamilton and also Tuk Tuk Thai Food who gave me part-time work during my study. Their understanding and flexibility for students who work with them are very much appreciated. The Thai people I met here made me feel like Hamilton was my second home. I also would like to extend my deepest thanks to the most important people in my life, my beloved parents and family for their support and encouragement throughout my study, especially my father who gave me great support when I was completing a fieldwork in Thailand. Last but not least, I wish to give my regards and blessings to all of those who supported me in any respect during the completion of the degree. Without their support, I could not have done this thesis. Hamilton, New Zealand 1 April 2014 vi Table of Contents Abstract ...................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements .................................................................................... v List of Figures ........................................................................................... xii Glossary and Abbreviations ..................................................................... xiii PART ONE: THEORIES, FRAMEWORK AND METHODOLOGY CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION .................................................................. 1 1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Purpose of the Thesis....................................................................... 3 1.3 Research Questions and Hypothesis ............................................... 3 1.4 Introduction to the Conflict ................................................................ 4 1.5 Why is Civil Society Important to the Conflict? ............................... 12 1.6 Thesis Structure ............................................................................. 14 CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ..................................... 19 2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................