Pattani, July 20, 2025 — A joint dialogue and lessons-learned forum brought together peacebuilding actors from across Thailand’s Deep South at CS Pattani Hotel today, spotlighting collaborative efforts to promote human rights, inclusive participation, and long-term stability in the region.
Organized under the project Promoting Participation and Human Rights Practices in the Peace Process and facilitated by the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies (IHRP), Mahidol University, the forum convened representatives from three core initiatives: the Buddhist Network Project, Civil Society Network Project, and Interfaith Buddy for Peace Project.
The research team — Dr. Poldham Chancome, Asst. Prof. Dr. Padtheera Narkurairattana, Dr. Suphatmet Yunyasit, Ms. Pimonluk Suvongsindh, Mr. Khosalee Awae, and Ms. Charita Prasithima— presented findings under the theme: “Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development in Thailand’s Deep South.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gotham Areeya, senior advisor to IHRP, delivered a keynote synthesis and outlined strategic perspectives for the region’s peacebuilding agenda.
With over 60 participants in attendance, the event focused on strengthening inter-network collaboration between academic institutions, civil society, and local government bodies. All three initiatives proposed integrated workplans aimed at enhancing local resilience, cultural understanding, and sustainable peace over the next 2–3 years.
Key Strategic Plans Presented:
- Interfaith Buddy for Peace: Proposed future initiatives include Young Friends for Peace, Food Resource Mapping, Shared Historical Roots, Friendship on the Move, Cycling Caravan, and a Friendship Documentary. These programs aim to foster interreligious solidarity through collaborations with the State Railway of Thailand, Ministry of Culture, SBPAC, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, OSMEP, ISOC, and local authorities.
- Civil Society Network: Outlined plans to deepen public participation through stronger coordination with the Civil Society Council and Civil Society Assembly for Peace: CAP, engagement in peace dialogues, area-based development, and the establishment of a Civil Society Organization Development Institute.
- Buddhist Network Project: Introduced the “Edible Peace” model, focusing on livelihood development, intergenerational capacity-building, and comprehensive market data systems. The initiative seeks partnerships across Buddhist communities, government sectors, businesses, and dissenting voices to strengthen peaceful coexistence.
This event marks a significant step in building trust and operational synergy among key peace actors in the Deep South, reinforcing IHRP’s commitment to supporting locally informed, rights-based, and inclusive peace processes.
