Page 6 - ชาวไทยมุสลิมและการมีส่วนร่วมในกระบวนการพัฒนาเศรษฐกิจและสังคม การศึกษาภาคใต้ตอนล่าง

Summary

Thai Muslims and Their Participation in the

Socio-Economic Development Process:

A Study of the Lower South

This study aims to analyze limitations which constrain the socio-economic participation of
Thai Muslims in the Lower South of Thailand, and to recommend policies facilitating their
fuller participation; policies that are consistent with and fully utilizes the unique socio-cultural
characteristics of the Muslim society. The study focuses on the four provinces in the Lower
South with a predominantly Muslim population; Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Satun. The
study is qualitative, with data collected through interviews, brainstorming sessions with
government officials, and with local Muslim leaders, and from secondary sources.

The rationale behind the study was to look at "opportunities" that are inherent in the
unique socio-cultural characteristics of the local Muslim society, and to suggest using these
opportunities to elicit greater socio-economic participation from Thai Muslims. In the past,
these unique socio-cultural characteristics are often viewed by the public sector as
"constraints" to successful development. The close knit nature of Muslim society, lack of
Thai language skills, and strict adherence to Islam have been viewed as major hindrance to the
successful development of the region. At the same time, lack of sensitivities to the beliefs and
custom of Muslim society on the part of government officials have led to resentment among
the Muslim population, who tend to view public sector development objectives as ways to
weaken or even destroy their socio-cultural characteristics. This has inevitably led to mutual
misunderstanding, and have made sustainable development difficult.

However, in studying the socio-cultural characteristics of the Muslim society, many
opportunities can be seen, which can be used for development purposes. In particular, the
social structure of the Muslim society resembles a close knit network through their religious
practice, from the village level all the way to the international level. The Muslims are bonded
together through the religious ritual of prayer, whether at musjids or elsewhere. Their way of
life are interwoven with religion from the cradle all through to the grave. The close social
network should be used as a key instrument to facilitate development. It can be used as an
effective information network to promote two way flow of information between the public
sector and the local communities. It can also be used to enhance local participation in

V