Autonomy and then what?

Autonomy in the deep South would lead to sharia law, which in many places in the world is barbaric, but even in toned-down southern Thailand would still be unfair to women, gays and non-Muslims. It begins as a kind of family law but always expands into other areas.  It would mean that, to a certain extent, Thai Muslims in those areas would be living under laws different from Thai Buddhists. Thailand does not need an Indonesian-type Aceh. We all want peace in southern Thailand. I only hope it does not come about by Buddhist capitulation to those who have beheaded monks, burned soldiers and shot teachers in front of their students. 

Dean Barrett

Bangkok