In Pattani, the checkpoints are frequent, more frequent than Islamic prayers. It was cold-blooded terrorism, and Human Rights Watch is right to condemn it as "a vicious disregard for civilian lives," and "may amount to crimes against humanity". The ongoing "peace dialogue" and the plan to designate "safe zones" now face a question mark -- what safe zones? Lastly -- and here I quote Human Rights Watch -- "HRW also remains deeply concerned by violations of international human rights law and the laws of war by Thai government security forces and militias. As we curse the villains and pray for peace, it's important to ensure that Pattani doesn't descend into a vicious cycle.

Source: Bangkok Post May 13, 2017 00:00 UTC