Woman and son in Old Market - Siem Reap
Violence in Southern Thailand
I am not sure how much information about the violence in Southern Thailand is reaching the western media. I suspect at least some, but knowing the Denver Post and even the New York Times, the information is probably a bit thin. Recently there has been dramatically escalating violence in the south. The south borders on Malaysia and is largely Muslim. The vast majority of the six million or so Thai Muslims live in the south. There has historically been a disconnect between the southern provinces and the capitol. The southernmost part of Thailand was not integrated fully into Thailand until the 20th century. It's arguable how much a part of Thailand they really feel themselves to be. Clearly part of this disconnect has to do with the south being Muslim and the rest of Thailand being primarily Buddhist.
Although the King has never been to the southern provinces, the Queen has spent the past two months there. She has initiated a number of ventures there including a project for 'r...
