Thailand's southern border provinces have endured violence and protracted conflict for over two decades, resulting in a significant toll of 7,314 deaths and 13,584 injuries. Despite the government's persistent efforts, the issue remains unresolved, raising concerns about the region's state of affairs and the emergence of a “fragile state.”

In this article “MOVE: Understanding the Patterns of Violence,” Dr. Abdunrohman Mukem and Sarehan Khwankawin analyze the intricate patterns of violence in the three southern border provinces. Drawing on data from the Monitoring Centre on Organized Violence Events (MOVE), an online database which records data of violent incidents in Thailand from 2016 to 2022, the author delved into the types of violence, perpetrators, casualties, site of violence at the same time exploring the socio-economic and political context behind the violence.

The article goes beyond the conventional understanding of violence in the southern border provinces associated with insurgency, exploring the complex interplay between different groups, including state and non-state actors. It sheds light on various forms of violence, from insurgent attacks, criminal gang violence, military operations, confrontations between civilians and security forces, sexual assaults, to electoral violence, offering a nuanced perspective.

The article contributes to a deeper understanding of violence in Thailand's southern border provinces. Policymakers, practitioners, scholars, and anyone interested in comprehending the region's challenges will find this article a valuable resource.