When Violence Rises and Politicians Fall

Abstract

This article examines a faction of parliamentary politicians called “Wadah.” The faction is fundamentally Malay-Muslim, regionally-based in Thailand’s Deep South and has moved from party to party since its inception in 1986. The initiators of the Wadah group believe that, by assembling themselves as one cohesive group, it would enhance their bargaining power vis-à-vis the central Thai government. This article examines Wadah’s origins, growth, downfall, and semi-resurgence up until today. While Wadah became a useful organization for pushing the needs of Malay-Muslims in the Deep South, the 2004 violence undermined Wadah politicians’ support in their own constituencies. The lesson for Wadah is that the greater the magnitude of violence that occurs, the more likelihood incumbent politicians belonging to ruling coalition will see their constituents defect from them in the next general election.