Since becoming embroiled in conflict in it’s far south region the Thai state has become increasingly reliant on a bewildering array of paramilitary organisations. They often work alongside and in parallel to the regular military and police. The largest armed force in the south is a civilian militia, the Village Defence Volunteers. Poorly trained, isolated and vulnerable, they are often unable to protect themselves and their weapons, let alone their communities. Militants have stolen the guns of hundreds since the conflict began in 2004. The army has also tripled the strength of the paramilitary “ranger” force in the South since violence surged in 2004, despite its well-deserved reputation for brutality and corruption. It has made some reforms, particularly in screening recruits, since the 1980s and on the whole is a more professional force than twenty years ago, but serious problems with discipline and human rights abuses remain.
I must give massive gratitude to the following people. Madaree Tohlala, Najib Ibn Ahmad, Bree Jehloh, Dr Chris Joll, Hadi Wijaya, and Sabri Musordi. Thanks for bringing me into your lives, sharing your families, your floors, and your food. For showing me how to see the deep south when I was only looking.
You can explore more of my work from the Thai deep south HERE