Christopher Olssøn / Photojournalist

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Thailand: Unrest in the southern provinces. 44 images Created 3 Sep 2008

Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency.
Martial law was declared on January 5th 2004, covering every district in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat alongside massive mobilisation of the security forces to the southern provinces. Soldiers and police were authorized to search and arrest without judicial warrant in order to find the weapons and perpetrators within seven days. A number of police investigation teams and army Special Warfare teams were combing through villages, private islamic schools, rubber plantations, orchards and mountains in an attempt to recover the stolen weapons and capture those responsible for the raid. They quickly resorted to extrajudicial means and human rights violations to meet the deadlines and objectives set by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Today five years after the insurgengency uprising, despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians.
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  • A view of the city of Hat Yai, the economic center in the southern thailand. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • A boy makes a gesture during a lession in an islamic school in Pattani, southern Thailand. Foto: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Media Spokesman of the Thai army in the southern provinces of Thailand Acra Tiproch in his office in Yala. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 17.09.2007. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • A man reading the holy coran inside the Krue-Se mosque in Pattani. The Krue-Se mosque is a strong symbol of the resistance against the Thai government after a 2004 army raid on the mosque, then housing suspected militants. 30 people where killed inside the mosque by the army. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 17.09.2007, Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • A small girl wearing a veil in a gathering in Southern Thailand. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 19.09.2009. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Family members pointing out a relative <br />
in photo, that was killed by the Thai army while attacking thai troops. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 19.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • A thai army soldier stands on top of his Humwee armoured truck in center Yala, concidered one of the most dangerous of the three provinces.<br />
Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 19.09.07, Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • A streetscene from downtoen Pattani. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 19.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • An evening view of the central mosque in Pattani. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 19.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • During the holy month of ramadan, in the backyard of the central mosque of Pattani, men are eating their supper before their evening prayer. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 19.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • During the holy month of ramadan in the backyard of the central mosque of Pattani, men are performing the ritual cleansing before their evening prayer. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 19.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Dr Srisompob Jitpiromsri, a lecturer of political science at the Prince of Songkhla University in Pattani and one of the founders of the Deep South Watch. An NGO that records and analyses every move the Islamic militants and the Thai army performs. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 20.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Nit Jombadin siting by a table in her simple house. Her child is one of thousands of innocent victims of indiscriminent bombings and killings in southern Thailand. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 21.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • Thai army patroling a local market, that are frequently attacked by insurgents. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 23.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Thai army soldiers taking a rest outside a mini market. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 23.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • Youth playing football at night in the outskirts of Pattani city. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 23.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Children and armed police in the remainings of the Datoa school. It was recently heavily damaged in an arson attack. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • A thai policeman observes the remaining pieces of a school recently attacked by insurgents. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • Heavily armed police guards outside the remainings of the Datoa school. The children are sitting outside under the trees because the school building has been burned down by the militia just two weeks before. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • The beach streching between Narathiwat and Pattani that once was concidered the most beautyful ones in Thailand. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • A child rides a bicycle on the way from school in Datoa village. After the RKK started targeting school children the situation changed dramatically for the population. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • Soldiers stands guard outside the house of the Malee family that has just been attacked by unknown gunmen inside the house killing their daughter. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Beautyful scenery with a brutal story. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.07.09. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • A view from a Thai amy BELL gunship circling over the troubled provinces and the jungle in the southern provinces. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 26.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
    _D7O7291.jpg
  • A view from a Thai amy BELL gunship circling over the troubled provinces and the jungle in the southern provinces. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 26.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • A moment from a merket in center Pattani, the markets are common placed where the bomb attacks finds place. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 27.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
    _D7O7469.jpg
  • A moment from a merket in center Pattani, the markets are common placed where the bomb attacks finds place. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 27.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
    _D7O7471.jpg
  • A picture honoring the King of Thailand stands by the road in the city of Pattani. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 27.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • A scene from inside the Pattani hospital after in the morning hours a car packed with school teachers, escorted by police is hit by a 20 kilogram I.E.D roadside bomb. Miraculously none of the teachers or police is killed. The explosion was heard all over the city of Pattani. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 28.09.07 Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • An army raodblock in the outskirts of Narathiwat.Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 23.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • A Thai army soldier stands guard on top of his armoured Humwee in the outskirts of Narathiwat. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 23.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Muslim girls after a day at the Saiburi Islam Wittaya school in the Saiburi district. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 23.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Heavily armed police guards a public school in the outskirts of the Pattani province. The situation changed dramatically for the pepole when the militants started targeting the children. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • The Malee family has just been attacked by unknown gunmen inside the house killing their daughter. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • The Malee family has just been attacked by unknown gunmen inside the house killing their daughter. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
    _MG_6995.jpg
  • The Malee family has just been attacked by unknown gunmen inside the house killing their daughter. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • The Malee family has just been attacked by unknown gunmen inside the house killing their daughter. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • The Malee family has just been attacked by unknown gunmen inside the house killing their daughter. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • The Malee family has just been attacked by unknown gunmen inside the house killing their daughter. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • The Malee family has just been attacked by unknown gunmen inside the house killing their daughter. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 24.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Women during friday prayer in Pattani central mosque. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. Photo: Christopher Olssøn
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  • Buddhist monks at 6 in the morningin the streets of Pattani collecting the alms. Because of their morning rutine, the monks has become a favourite target for the islamic militants. Bombing and beheadings of monks has becommen more frequent. The army now escorts the monks whereever they go to enshure their security. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 26.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • Thai army and forensic police on the scene where in the morning hours a car packed with school teachers, escorted by police is hit by a 20 kilogram I.E.D roadside bomb. Miraculously none of the teachers or police is killed. The explosion was heard all over the city of Pattani. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 28.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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  • A scene from inside the Pattani hospital after in the morning hours a car packed with school teachers, escorted by police is hit by a 20 kilogram I.E.D roadside bomb. Miraculously none of the teachers or police is killed. The explosion was heard all over the city of Pattani. Thailand is struggling to keep up appearances as the land of smiles has to face up to its troubled south. Since 2004 more than 3500 people have been killed and 4000 wounded in a war we never hear about. In the early hours of January 4th 2004 more than 50 armed men stormed a army weapons depot in Narathiwat taking assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades and other ammunition. Arsonists simultaneously attacked 20 schools and three police posts elsewhere in Narathiwat. The raid marked the start of the deadliest period of armed conflict in the century-long insurgency. Despite some 30,000 Thai troops being deployed in the region, the shootings, grenade attacks and car bombings happen almost daily, with 90 per cent of those killed being civilians. 28.09.07. Photo: Christopher Olssøn.
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