<div>Female paramilitaries in the troubled Deep South are dubbed “Iron Flowers” by the military. They are assigned to use their soft side to connect with locals. This story explores whether they are successful and what obstacles they face.&nbsp;</div> <p></p>

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<div>Enforced disappearance has happened again and again in Thailand. The number of victims may be over 3,000. Still, no one has ever been held to account for these crimes. This story explores how the practice has become systematic and part of the 'culture' of the land of smiles.</div> <div> </div>

<div>While the ruling Pheu Thai Party has disappointed its red-shirt voters over the controversial blanket amnesty bill, the idea of an alternative political party has been discussed more and more among red shirts. As if this was the perfect moment,&nbsp;<em>Thanaporn Sriyakul</em>, who was banned from politics for five years from 2008, has announced an alternative political party which vows to give priority to the amendment of the lèse majesté law. The establishment of autonomy in the restive Deep South is also a campaign highlight. Prachatai talked with him&nbsp;about this dream party of liberals.&nbsp;</div> <div> </div>

<p>Five journalists who went to cover a roadside bombing in the far-south province of Narathiwat on 19 October were injured by a second bomb that went off around 45 minutes after the first one. Several police officers who had rushed to the scene were also injured by the second blast.</p> <p></p>

<p><br />Documentary film ‘His name is Ashaari’ by a group of independent filmmakers highlights the case of a young Malay-Muslim man who was beaten to death by military officers during one night in custody in Yala. His mother, together with local human rights organizations, has spent five years fighting for justice.&nbsp;</p> <p></p>