Nothing ever changes

After so many lives lost in Thailand’s deep South, a Big C superstore has recently been blown up in Pattani. Now we will surely hear about new government measures to resolve the situation, a crackdown no doubt, more troops perhaps. But expect no real change.

Anyone interested in developing a better understanding of the conflict in the South should read Dr Sascha Helbardt’s seminal book, Deciphering Southern Thailand’s Violence. It dispels many misconceptions as to the organisation and goals of the separatists and provides deep insights into the presumed intractability of the problem. Highly recommended!

Furthermore, not one letter about this shocking act of terrorism is to be found in PostBag. Why not? MICHAEL SETTER