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THAILAND

 

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2007/08/thailand_women.html#

 

WomanChildwoman in Thailand

PBS Frontline - Public Broadcasting Service

Thailand: Women for Peace
Offering Solace to Victims of Conflict

 
By Aaron Goodman
August 09, 2007

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

15-08-2008

THAILAND - SOUTHERN RESENTMENT ERUPTS IN VIOLENCE

 

 

Muslim separatists in southern Thailand have stepped up attacks on symbols of the Buddhist state since early 2004. Analysts warn the conflict could escalate and attract international Islamic extremists.

Decades-old political grievances have rekindled violence in the south, with militants claiming the central government discriminates against Muslims.

Civilians thought to be co-operating with the government have also been targeted by separatists.

The government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra responded with force, imposing an emergency decree to boost its powers in the region and cracking down hard on suspected insurgents.

Thaksin was ousted in a coup in September 2006 led by Thailand's first Muslim army chief, initially raising hopes that tensions in the south would ease. But a peace drive by the army-appointed government met with little response, as militants stepped up attacks.

Key facts

 

SECURITY

Number killed since Jan 2004

More than 3,000

RELIGION

Buddhists (percentage of population in Thailand)

94

Muslims (percentage of population)

4-5, concentrated in south
(NI World Guide 2005/2006, UNDP)

POVERTY

Percentage of population living in poverty (2002)

Whole country: 9.8
Bangkok: 0.5
Southernmost provinces
Yala: 27
Pattani: 20
Narathiwat: 37
(Thailand Millennium Development Goals Report 2004)

MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE

Maternal mortality rate in three southernmost provinces

Around double the national average of 24 per 100,000 live births
(Thailand Millennium Development Goals Report 2004)

 





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