Muslim students from the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Nara Thiwas under the so-called "Student Network to Protect the People," came to the forefront during the five-day demonstration at the Central Pattani mosque earlier this month. Indeed, Muslim students, particularly those studying in other countries, have continuously played their roles regarding events in the deep South.

Recently, authorities have shown signs of interests. The National Security Council (NSC) is now drafting its strategic plan on the education of the Thai Muslim students. Meanwhile, the Southern Border Province Administrative Centre (SBPAC) also considers education of the Muslim youth high among its agenda.

The concern also came from the top government officials. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, at the NSC's meeting on April 25 stressed the need to adjust educational curriculum to respond to the need of the local Muslim youth. The priority, he emphasised, is to encourage them to continue their education in the country rather than abroad.

"Without a good educational basis, furthering education in profession careers like doctor or engineer won't be possible," the premier told the press conference.

The NSC is now drafting its strategic educational plan focusing on Thai Muslim students studying in other countries. The plan aims to provide "follow-up" and "support" of the students before they leave for study, during their study, and after graduation.

Officials at the April meeting had raised concern over the lack of information about Muslim students furthering their education overseas, particularly in Muslim-populated countries. In attempt to obtain such vital information, the NSC traveled to Egypt in May.

According to authorities, Thai Muslim students have come to study in countries in the middle-east, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. These countries annually provided scholarships to Thai students. Al-azhar University in Egypt, for example, gives out 80 scholarships each year.

Some funding target Muslim students; others open to all. These scholarships are not limited to religious study but also given for all field of study. Thai Muslim recipients of these funds came from many provinces including the three southernmost provinces.

"I have a chance to talk with some Thai Muslim students in Indonesia. Not all of them study religious, some also study in other fields," said Mr Pradit Rasitanont, the SBPAC's director of the Policy and Planning Bureau on Education, Religion, Culture, and Sport.

"Most of them were self-funded students. Some of them also came to stay illegally," he said.

In another meeting held at a hotel in Songkhla province, authorities also discussed strategies for educational development for special economic-zones in the Southern provinces. One of the proposals made was to have a position like that of the military assistant attaché, but focusing on education attached with Thai embassies overseas.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported at this meeting that the activities its embassies overseas held during national important days with students who study there have contributed to better relationships between the students and the Thai government.

However, the most challenging issue facing the government is how to engage Muslim students from the three southernmost provinces. Most of them who have studied in the Muslim-populated countries have shown no interest in participating in any activities organised by the Thai embassies in those countries.

Citing Muslim students in Indonesia, Pradit said when officials came to meet up with students there, none showed up until they were offered with funding in support of their study's theses.

"We have learnt some 2,000 Thai students now study in Indonesia. However, only 200 of them come into contact with authorities," he said.

Students said they came to study in Indonesia to get some educational degree that will enable them to apply for diploma programme at Yala Rajabhat University. After that, they will be qualified as a teacher according to the Education Ministry's regulations, according to Pradit.

"Two students have already graduated and have now teaching at the private religious Muslim school in the area," he added.

He also raised concern over Thai Muslim students' bad experience with authorities.

"A student from Yala's Bannang Sata district came back home. He went out with his friend one day. They were arrested by soldiers. Because he was graduated from Indonesia, the soldiers accused him of being a terrorist and took him to the police. The police happened to know him and let him go. This caused conflict between authorities," Pradit recalled.

Pradit said Thai Muslim students studying oversea had turned down his suggestion for an establishment of a district office of Muslim intellectuals. The students were not confident encountering with government officials. They didn't feel safe from both government officials and their opponents.     

How to build an environment of trust is thus an arduous task for all authorities.

Translated by Mukdawan Sakboon