Conflict and Peace Studies Journal

Understanding Transformative Roles of Diasporas in Context of Conflict and Peace Processes

2023-11-10T10:25:53+07:00

This article argues that diaspora can influence the conflict and peace processes in their homeland in the positive or negative ways. It will review relevant literature to foster an understanding of conflict-generated diasporas namely, those who are able to contribute to conflict and/or peace in their home countries. It will also explore how the concept of diaspora has been developed in the literature and how this impacts the status of diaspora in the peace and conflict field.

Patanisation: Constructing Melayu Patani’s Identity Politics

2023-10-12T13:26:16+07:00

Thailand has been experiencing the “Southern Insurgency” since 2004. Its causes are still an issue of debate. This article aims to examine those causes of violence against the Thai state. This study suggests that the process of constructing the Melayu Patani identity (referred to as ‘Patanisation’) has played a primary role in encouraging several local Malays to support Patani's independence movement. This has resulted in turning both Malays and local Thais against the Thai state, which they see as its enemy. Moreover, this article will demonstrate that the process of ‘Patanisation’ was only established recently, circa 1997, and based on nothing but irrationality. For example, it utilized Patani’s historiography and the claim of some parts of Songkhla province (Chana, Thepa, Natawi, Sabayoi, and Satun) to be the annexed territories of Patani. In fact, those districts share nothing with Patani and their cultures and histories are significantly different.

ด้วยรัฐและสัตย์จริง: ระบอบอารมณ์ความรู้สึกนึกคิด จริยธรรมแห่งรัฐ และความซื่อสัตย์ที่ผันแปร

2023-09-05T21:39:49+07:00

Perspectives of Local Leaders on Conflict Resolution and Peace Process in Three Southernmost Provinces in the Muang District, Pattani Province

2023-09-25T16:41:00+07:00

The violence in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand has occurred for more than 19 years. This problem is creating insecurity and affecting property and the quality of life. Trying to restore peace to the three southernmost provinces is therefore an important policy. This study used qualitative research methods. The purpose of this study is to examine the current perspectives on conflict resolution and factors affecting the peace process in the three southernmost provinces, including recommendations from the middle leadership group (Track 2). The key informants were 12 middle leaders of society (Track 2), including 4 community leaders, 4 local leaders (Tambon Administrative Organizations), and 4 religious leaders who live in the Pattani province. The tool used in this research was an in-depth interview. Data collection was done using in-depth interviews and documentary research.
The findings showed that the violence was a result of a power struggle in the area, distorted history, religious beliefs, and drug trafficking. The people in the area want peace,, which accords with the principles of Islam. There is optimism that the current violent situation will improve. Moreover, the people support a compromise in the process of government, but some people are still concerned about the peace process. This study also suggests that the leaders of the provincial Islamic committee participate in the negotiation process and give offenders a chance to return to their normal lives. They also recommend using the King’s philosophy for solving conflict and they want to have a special administrative region. The middle leaders hope this solution will be able to improve the peace process in the three southernmost provinces.

Human Rights Protection for Return and Reintegration of Thai Migrant Workers from Malaysia during the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19)

2023-11-06T10:46:25+07:00

The purposes of the article are to study situations faced by Thai migrant workers from Malaysia after returning to Thailand during the coronavirus pandemic and to study the roles of various related organizations in human rights protection for their return and reintegration. The study employed a qualitative research method by using in-depth interviews, observation, and document review.
The results of the research demonstrated that the related organizations can play some roles in human rights protection for the return and reintegration of Thai migrant workers from Malaysia due to the conditions of the coronavirus pandemic and economic recession in general. The effected Thai migrant workers faced unemployment, depression, and domestic violence. In addition, the failure comes from the problems of undocumented Thai migrant workers and the enforcement of special laws for internal security control in some migrant workers' hometowns. The research findings can provide some suggestions to meet effective human rights protection for Thai migrant workers' return and reintegration. The Thai government must formulate an emergency plan for Thai migrant workers, with the Ministry of Labor serving as the host and collaborating with other government agencies, private companies, and civil society organizations. The plan must also be written following international guidelines for the human rights of migrant workers and taking into consideration the socio-political context of the Thai southern border provinces that have situations of violence and special laws. In addition, the data of Thai migrant workers must be updated in conjunction with the campaign to give these migrant workers legal status under the bilateral memorandum of understanding.

Migrant Workers’ Housing Rights Protection in Malaysia: From the Stakeholder’s Perspective on Act 446

2023-10-22T11:16:32+07:00

Malaysia is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that depends heavily on migrant workers as a labor force. However, when it comes to migrant workers, issues always arise, and these problems not only happen in Malaysia but also in all countries that heavily depend on migrant workers in their economic activities. Migrant workers always found accommodation in overcrowded and live in unhealthy living conditions. This study aims to investigate whether migrant workers’ housing rights are protected in Malaysia and what are the stakeholders’ perspectives on the Act that protects migrant workers’ housing rights in Malaysia. This study utilized the qualitative research approach. In this study, two methods of data collection were used: in-depth interviews for primary sources and library-based research for secondary sources. Based on the analyses, it can be concluded that migrant workers' housing rights are partially protected in Malaysia. Many stakeholders express satisfaction with the amendment, while some advocate further enhancements to Act 446 to ensure universal compliance by all employers.

Malaysia: Looking at the Anwar Ibrahim Administration through a Situational Audit Framework

2023-09-28T16:01:00+07:00