Pattani / Thailand, Jubi – Just like Papua, Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala provinces and other four districts in Songkla in Thailand also have a resistance movement against the royal government of Thailand because the majority of the population are Malays.
The resentment is developed because of injustice and deprivation over their basic rights.
Therefore, local activists thought that Patani society need to learn a lot from Papua, especially in terms of diplomacy.
“I do not know exactly what is going on in Papua, because I have not been to Papua. But, in my opinion, Papuans build stronger diplomacy than Patani. I’ve often heard the Papua issue in various international forums. And I think Patani should learn from Papua, “one a former activist of Patani Students, Youth and Students Association (Permas), Arfan Wattana when met Jubi on Saturday (15/08/2015).
According to him, he knew a lot of information from social media and other media about Papua movement. He also knew that some Papuans have ever been to Patani.
“I often follow on social media and others and found out that Papuans diplomacy in overseas is very strong as well as the support of foreign countries for Papua movement. I have known friends of Papua and also seen various pictures of violence in Papua, although different religions, but it humane, I do not agree with that, “he said.
He said, just like Papua, Patani people want independence from Thailand royal government. However, they do not speak loudly because of fear of being arrested, intimidated or military.
“Permas ever held an open forum which was attended by approximately 8,000 Patani Malay community. We did a survey and asked communities if they choose autonomy or independence. Largely choose independence, “he said.
Intellectual General Secretary of Patani (Insouth), Chareef Said stated that the issue of Papua is very strong abroad. “Hence, Patani people have to learn a lot from them, “Chareef added. (ArjunaPademme/ Tina)
