On February 24, 2025, the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, in collaboration with The Active – Policy Watch Thai PBS, the Southern Border Civil Society Council, and network partners, organized the project “Identity and Ethnic Diversity for Sustainable Peace Building” through a discussion forum titled “Policy Forum – The Value of Southern Border Identity.” The event aimed to explore the local identities of the three southern border provinces while fostering an understanding and appreciation of local wisdom that could lead to lasting social peace in Thailand. The forum was held at the Thai PBS Co Working Space.
Morning Session
An exhibition titled “The Value of Identity: Food, Language, and Attire” was showcased. The program was hosted by Khun Anchun Anchaisri from Thai PBS and Khun Ghazalee Awae from the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University.
Afternoon Session
The discussion forum featured the following panelists:
- Mr. Chaturon Chaisang – Chairman of the Special Committee to Study and Propose Approaches for Promoting the Peace Building Process to Resolve Conflicts in the Three Southern Border Provinces.
- Mr. Chumsak Nararatwong – An academic specializing in Southern Border History.
- Mr. Najib Awaebuesa – An independent scholar.
- Asst. Prof. Yasmin Sattar – Faculty of Political Science, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus.
- Asst. Prof. Suwichan Patanapayrawan – An expert in applied anthropology and ethnic studies at Mae Fah Luang University.
The event was moderated by Ms. Wiphaporn Wattanawit from Thai PBS and Asst. Prof. Dr. Padtheera Narkurairattana, Acting Deputy Director for Administration at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University.
