Violent incidents have recently reappeared in the Southern Border Provinces, as the peace negotiations stall amid criticism of the lack of clear direction from a government coalition made unstable by the political turmoil in Bangkok.However, behind the veil of violence lie culturally rich towns and cities, where locals are leveraging their heritage to create social innovations.

The statute of limitations on the Tak Bai Massacre expired on 25 October and, with none of the defendants showing up to court, the trials also ended. Negotiations for peace in the Deep South are, however, still ongoing. It is now critically important that the government have a strong political will to overcome obstacles and work towards peace.

When Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim in November, they did not discuss the conflict in Thailand's Deep South. As the Thai government prepares for a new round of peace talks, Hara Shintaro writes that there is a need for more public participation in the peace process.

<div>Prachatai talked with a key member of Thailand’s restive Deep South’s liberation movement engaging in a peace dialogue with Bangkok about the violence during Ramadan month, their strategy and the future of the peace process.&nbsp;</div> <p></p>

<div> <div><em>A MARA Patani delegate looks back at the struggle of Patani independence movements. As Thailand and MARA are about to a reach mutual agreement which will kick start the official peace talks, Abu Hafez Al-Hakim says MARA will only have one demand.&nbsp;</em></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div> </div>