Number: RL31672
Title: Terrorism in Southeast Asia
Authors: Bruce Vaughn, Emma Chanlett-Avery, Thomas Lum, Mark Manyin, and Larry Niksch, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Over the past year, one of the most significant developments in the war against radical Islamist militants in Southeast Asia has been the developing conflict in the south of Thailand. Ongoing separatist violence in the southern provinces has reinforced concern about indigenous and transnational terrorism in Thailand. These developments have prompted action from Thai government officials and renewed questions about links to broader networks. As the death toll has mounted, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has come under fire for his handling of the situation. Most regional observers stress that there is no convincing evidence to date of serious Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) involvement in the attacks in the southern provinces. In addition, the attacks have not targeted foreigners and have remained limited to a particular geographical area.
Pages: 58
Date: February 14, 2006