Patani United Liberation Organization
Overview
The Patani United Liberation Organization (PULO) is a Muslim separatist organization in Thailand, founded in 1968. It seeks to establish an independent Islamic state encompassing the current Thai provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, and Satun. The creation of this state is seen as crucial to preserving both “Malayness” and the Islamic way of life for local Malay Muslims.
Objectives
PULO perceives Thailand as an occupying power from which independence can only be achieved through armed force. It maintains that the preservation of the identity and religious practices of the Malay Muslim population is contingent on the formation of an independent state free from Thai control.
Popularity and Support
PULO has garnered substantial support, particularly among younger, more militant Malay Muslims. It has also attracted moral, financial, and other forms of support from individuals in Malaysia, organizations associated with the Islamic Party of Malaysia (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia - PAS), and networks in the Middle East.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The term “Patani” comes from the local historical Sultanate of Patani, a region known to have had significant Muslim influence and autonomy before being incorporated into the Siamese (now Thai) state.
- Arabic: منظمة تحرير باتاني المتحدة (Munazzamat Tahreer Batani Al-Muttahida)
- Turkish: Patani Birleşik Kurtuluş Örgütü
Further Studies
To further understand the socio-political aspects and the historical context involving PULO, the following books and articles are recommended:
- “Islam and Politics in Southeast Asia: PULO and the Struggle for Patani Independence” by Zachary Abuza.
- “The Malay-Muslim Insurgency in Southern Thailand: Understanding the Conflict’s Historical and Religious Roots” edited by Joseph Chinyong Liow.
- “Patani: A Deeper Understanding” by Thanet Aphornsuvan.
Takeaways
- Historical Context: The origins of PULO are tightly connected to the historical Sultanate of Patani and the region’s incorporation into Thailand.
- Cultural Preservation: Central to PULO’s mission is the safeguarding of Malay Muslim identity and religious practices.
- Armed Struggle: PULO believes that armed conflict is the only viable method of achieving its goal of independence from Thai rule.
- Regional and Beyond: The organization has extended its influence and received support beyond local and national boundaries.
Conclusion
The Patani United Liberation Organization represents a significant force in the landscape of Southeast Asian separatist movements, embodying the struggle between local identities and the national politics of modern statehood. Its role in the fight for Malay Muslim autonomy highlights the complex interplay of religion, culture, and national sovereignty in this region.
