Ethnic Tolerance Among the Border Patrol Police Toward Muslims in the Three Southernmost Provinces of Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the level of ethnic tolerance
among the border patrol police towards Thai Muslims in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand as well as looking into factors that had impact on the issue. The study combined both a quantitative method through conducting surveys and a qualitative method through a focus group discussion. The sample group for the survey
consisted of 261 non-commissioned border patrol police who were not natives of the three southern provinces and were appointed to serve in the area. The data were collected in September 2008 using self-administrative questionnaires and a Likert scale was used to
determine the outcome. To analyze the data, the study used hierarchical regression analysis. The results showed that the level of ethnic tolerance among border patrol police towards Muslims was high. The variables of quality of contact, quantity of contact, and public mind had a direct impact on levels of ethnic tolerance, while proximity and ethnic identity were not related to ethnic tolerance. The outcome of the focus group discussion among the 12
border patrol police supported the quantitative findings of the study. The study provided suggestions to improve ethnic tolerance among the Thai border patrol police. The implications would be useful in determining a national policy and providing a roadmap for national security in resolving the unrest in southern Thailand.