The Status of Subordinate Group in the Deep South of Thailand: A Case Study of Christian Community in Pattani Province

Abstract

          This paper is based on a qualitative study of Pattani Christianity focusing on its historical background and the status of the community. The research methodology comprises of documentary research and field research. Forty key informants generate the core data for the study. In addition, the researcher is welcome to attend most community meetings. This contributes a much greater understanding of the broader Christian community in Pattani and is for data triangulation. The has occurredthe awareness of cultural diversity, in the deep south of Thailand has been increasing significantly. Accordingly, the public policy applied to this unrest area has come to a change. This has led to a major cultural shift away from policies of 'assimilation' to the introduction of 'multiculturalism'. These create a public space for minorities such as Christian community and make this low profile and small community visible.