[quote=Nicke]The problems in south Thailand is caused by a small group of extremist people and many victims are other muslim people, I would say this is a political and mafia thing caused by influential people in the South, who control the border traffic with drugs and weapons.
In addition, it was described to me, among these "influential people" are some who control the money that is increasingly budgeted to fight these problems whether it be local police or the army - and siphon a good percentage of it. I'm sure that this corruption theory, told to me in private by more than a few Thais during my trip last month won't surprise many on this forum, but it does add a wrinkle to the whole story.
Thanks Nicke.
And Mikegb, your thought that,"People like ourselves (who are lucky enough to be able to travel) USUALLY see the world differently to the 'majority' back home." must have something to do with the suprisingly low level of violence among tourists over there. That and the preoccupation with BG's, and all the energy they require.
