Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Fides Service) - Catholics in Thailand are concerned at the escalation of violence registered in the south of the country. According to Fides sources in the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala social tension is high and people are afraid to leave their homes fearing a recrudescence of the conflict between Islamic fundamentalists and police. At least 22 people, mostly Buddhists, were killed in episodes of violence in recent weeks. The violence started after 85 Muslim separatists were killed when police repressed disorder on 25 October.
The visit of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the mainly Muslim area of Tak Bai, in the south did not calm the people’s fears. Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a Buddhist temple in Yala, killing a man standing in front of the temple.
Yesterday in Narathiwat, 70 miles from the main town Tak Bai, Premier Shinawatra attended a religious service at a Buddhist temple and met the chief of police.
For some years now the mainly Muslims provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, which have ties with Muslims in Malaysia, have claimed secession from Bangkok. Recent world events caused tension to increase and the arrival in Thailand of a new wave of militant Muslims. Local sources told Fides that the Muslim protest is political but it has reawakened old religious claims. In the south there are small groups of about 70 Catholics in each province. Thailand has a population of 60 million 90% Buddhist, 6% Muslim and 2.2% Christian including 280,000 Catholics. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/11/2004 righe 27 parole 279)
