Abstract
Thailand’s Deep South remains one of Southeast Asia’s most enduring conflict zones, where insurgent activity, political manoeuvring, and peace negotiations have shaped the region’s trajectory for decades. This closed-door seminar will feature Muzliza Mustafa, a seasoned journalist who has extensively covered the protracted insurgency and ongoing peace talks between the Thai government and various Patani separatist groups. The discussion will assess the current status of peace negotiations, highlighting both the achievements and persistent challenges that hinder a sustainable resolution. Key obstacles include disunity among insurgent factions and the lack of trust between negotiating parties. A critical aspect of the seminar will delve into the inter- and intra-group dynamics among insurgents, examining the relationships, power struggles, and ideological divides that complicate negotiations. The seminar will also provide an overview of the key actors driving the conflict and peace process—ranging from Thai security forces, political stakeholders, and civil society organisations to international mediators and grassroots activists advocating for reconciliation.
Muzliza Mustafa is the Head of News Malaysia at BenarNews, an affiliate of Radio Free Asia. She oversees daily news coverage in Malaysia and collaborates with other BenarNews desks, particularly in Thailand, to produce articles, features, and analyses, with a focus on the Deep South conflict and related issues. With 20 years of experience in journalism, Muzliza has worked with nearly every major news outlet in Malaysia. She began as a general news reporter before specialising in crime reporting, eventually expanding her expertise to defence, border security, and counterterrorism. Muzliza is drawn to covering conflict and chaos, which aligns with her passion for counterterrorism and security issues. She has written extensively on these topics for both local news agencies and BenarNews. She thrives in the field, pursuing stories and interviewing individuals ranging from former terrorists to rebel leaders.