Dilemma in Health: Case study from deep-south violent crisis of Thailand

Abstract

This article presents a dilemma situation of health care providers in Southern unrest of Thailand. Since the conflict erupted since 4 January 2004 which still going on, the health care system and its staffs have been constantly affected by the violent conflict through this decade. Besides losing lives and properties, a conflict situation also puts people in health care system in a somewhat dilemma situation because of their position straddle between the state and people – straddle between professional ethics and being governmental servants as they are expected to be with the Thai state. Alternative recommendations for this situation, on one hand is, it is necessary for all parties to acknowledge and respect an imparity position of health care providers. On the other hand, health care providers should improve their roles and capacity to become more proactive as a peace-builder through their healing services with impartiality, in hope to gradually cultivate social capital to leverage peace and reconciliation in the long term.