Patani Raya (or Patani) in southern Thailand was part of the Malay kingdom until the Siamese invaded it in the mid-19th century. Thai policies such as thesaphiban (to control over territory) sidelined the Malay Sultanate government and finally led to the formal annexation of Patani Raya by Siam in 1909, under the Bangkok Treaty.

The treaty was between Siam and the British Empire, without due regard to the will of the people of Patani. Patani Raya has a long history of misgovernment that stretches from the days of W.A.R. Wood (a former British Consul in Songhkla) until today.

The Thai policy of rathaniyom (assimilation) is one example. Unfortunately, misgoverning has now taken a vicious turn under Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra and the people of Pattani are facing the brunt of cavalier army commanders whose actions are sanctioned from the very top of the Thai government.

The Patani people have been the subject to discrimination, economic neglect and in some cases, flagrant violation of their human rights for decades. These abuses go on unhindered despite various attempts by southern Thai Muslim leaders to negotiate through the Islamic Central Committee (ICC) of Thailand.

The obviously undemocratic, biased and oppressive Thai policies towards Muslims in Patani must stop immediately. The perpetrators of the recent massacre in Tak Bai must also be brought to justice.

All fair-minded Malaysians, NGOs, media and human rights groups must pressure the Thai government to hold a dialogue with the Muslim leaders in Patani in order to find for a long-lasting solution to their problem.

The people in Patani must be allowed the freedom to practise their religion and they must be treated equally in a democratic manner. A sincere dialogue sponsored by a credible and independent third party is the only way forward.

The final solution must be in accordance with the wishes of the people of Patani, through a form of a plebiscite.