Pattani Muslim Life: Identity, Conflict and Social Dynamics in 2004

Abstract

This study aims to provide information to readers to know the life of Pattani Muslims: identity, conflict and social dynamics in 2004 in Thailand, by providing an in-depth picture of the life of Pattani Muslims in Southern Thailand where the focus of the discussion is, how the Malay identity of Muslims is maintained for sustainability, and also what factors drive the increasing tension between the Pattani community and the Thai government, and how social dynamics shifted due to a series of security incidents throughout 2004, and hopefully this reading can inform about the history that has occurred in order to encourage and motivate us. This research is a type of historical research, namely Kuntowijoyo's research in his book, namely 1. Topic selection 2. Source search 3. Source verification 4. Interpretation 5. Historiography. In addition, I also collected information from relevant sources by reading articles, online journals and reading books offline or online and so that it is useful and helps in writing this article. The results of the study show that the identity of Pattani Muslims is formed through a combination of Malay culture, Islamic teachings, local languages, and long historical memories; The escalation of the 2004 conflict was influenced by assimilationist policies, repressive actions by the security forces, and excessive use of military force. The social dynamics of that year were marked by heightened identity polarization, collective trauma, the militarization of public spaces, and changing social relations between the Muslim community, state officials, and the Buddhist community. These findings confirm that Pattani is not merely a security issue, but a historical problem rooted in identity, social inequality, and the state's failure to manage diversity.