The resurgence of violence in Thailand’s southern border provinces in 2004 created a deep and significant division between Buddhists and Muslims, marked by targeted killings of Buddhist monks. This situation greatly weakened the once-strong bonds between the main cultural groups in the region, the Malay Muslims and the Thai Buddhists, making them fragile and at risk of further separation.

Starting in 2011, Padtheera Narkurairattana began her work on weaving relationships between religious leaders including Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians in the southern border areas. The Interfaith Buddy for Peace project can be considered as a continuation of the work initiated by individuals such as Assistant Professor Dr. Parichart Suwanbubpha, a renowned scholar in interfaith relations. Inspired by Parichart, after graduating PhD in 2013, Padtheera decided to work at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University. She helped Dr.Partichart to establish the Weaving Peace Together (WPT) Group and co-founded the “Women of Faith for Peace” group in late 2014, which solidified interfaith relations through the project “Dialogue of Buddhist Administrative Monks-Islamic Leaders.” Before Parichart left us forever…

Assistant Professor Dr. Parichart Suwanbubpha (far right) during an activity to build connections between people of different religions in the deep southern provinces.

Furthermore, the Interfaith Buddy for Peace project is a continuation of the dedication of Venerable Phra Kru Prachoti Rattananupab (Sawang) (the abbot of Wat Rattananupap in Narathiwat province), a role model and colleague revered by both Buddhists and Muslims. Sadly, he passed away prematurely in early 2019 due to an unexpected assassination.

Another significant figure is the imam Yacob Raimanee, the imam of the Central Mosque of Pattani Province, who was committed to working with Buddhists in the area despite disapproval from many Muslim groups. Padtheera had worked with him since 2010 until his assassination in 2013.