PM orders action against activists seeking Muslim Pattani State referendum

The National Security Council (NSC) of Thailand has been instructed by outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to investigate a group of activists who called for a public referendum on the establishment of an independent Muslim ‘Pattani State‘ separate from Thailand.

The demand for a referendum was made during a seminar titled “Self-determination,” which introduced the “National Student Movement” or “Pelajar Bangsa” from the four southern border provinces. The seminar, held at the Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Pattani campus, encouraged residents to vote for the proposed move, Bangkok Post reported.

Supoj Malaniyom, the NSC secretary-general, stated on Friday that the NSC informed the prime minister about the issue and subsequently ordered an investigation into the individuals involved. There are concerns that the call for a public…