Recent History
There has been growing violence in southern Thailand since January 4, 2004, especially in the majority Muslim provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani. Most of the inhabitants of these proinces are ethnic Malays, though the cities are mainly Thai and Thai Chinese. Violent mujahideen activity has happened since the 1980s, but this lessened since Thaksin Shinawatra became Prime Minister in 2001.
Most of the violence has been directed towards the minority Buddhist population in the province.
The government has been suspected in organising violent attacks on Muslims. In On June 8, 2009, at least 10 died in a shooting during the Muslim evening prayers. Five or six gunmen disguised themselves with ski masks attacked the mosque. The army denied involvement.
Read more about this topic: Narathiwat Province
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