The Scholar’s Approach to Support Peace (Happiness) Talk in Southern Border Provinces

Abstract

This research article aims to understand and develop an approach to support peace talks in the Southern border province. It utilizes in-depth interviews and field notes from 9 Thai scholars and members of civil society who have conducted research on conflict and resolution in the southern border province. This includes 4 outsiders in, 2 insiders in, 2 insiders out, and 1 outsider out. The researcher will establish a typology and taxonomy of the collected data, followed by analysis, description, and explanation of the findings.

Research Finding: The conducive environment for peace talks represents the initial step towards achieving peace. Expert scholars have advised on 7 critical strategies for effective action, including attentively listening to all people's comments, cultivating a positive narrative through peace-oriented information, fostering unity across diverse faiths, conducting unbiased and sincere conflict resolution efforts, supporting civil society and ensuring freedom of peace-promoting spaces, refraining from undue interference with the Southern Border Provinces Administrative office, and avoiding stereotyping and unjust arrests. Additionally, there are 7 ongoing strategies: enhancing the quality of life for the populace, advancing the dualistic educational system, serving as mediators to address conflicts in Southern Thailand, supporting academic initiatives in areas affected by unrest, utilizing the political system for conflict resolution in Southern Thailand, encouraging active public participation in the development of special laws, and persistently pursuing peace talks.