Attitude toward usage of Patani Malay language in three Southern border provinces

Abstract

This study aims to study Thai government policy concerning Patani Malay language. Data used in the analysis are taken from government sources. Also, this research is conducted by using the documentary analysis and supported by the interview and by questionnaires of the officials who are responsible for the security issues in this area local resident in the area. In 2006, the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) recommended the government to use Patani-Malay Language, or Yawi as the working language in three border provinces as means to relieve violence and help build the security of Thailand, there are many arguments against this proposal. The Privy Council president strongly disagrees with this suggestion on the ground that those three provinces are the part of Thailand, and as such only Thai language will be used in this country. This counter argument is not persuasive because in several countries such as Canada more than one language is used as official language without much of problems. When applied to the three border provinces, where the Patani Malay has been long rooted in their daily lives, the central government from Bangkok might have to reconsider whether to accept the language and local culture of the region. This research scrutinizes opinion of a member of group of people on Patani-Malay language as the bilingual language with Thai under appropriate measures. This idea might lead to help generate national security of Thailand as a whole. This research posits that acceptance of the local culture and language will gain trust of the local citizens on part of the government.