Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO)

al-Qaeda -- Ally (Suspected)
Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Pattani (BRN) -- Ally (Suspected)
Bersatu -- Umbrella Organization
Free Aceh Movement (GAM) -- Ally (Suspected)
Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM) -- Ally (Suspected)
New Pattani United Liberation Organization (New PULO) -- Faction
Sri Nakharo -- Ally (Suspected)

Founded in 1968, the Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) is a nationalist insurgency seeking to separate Thailand's predominately Muslim southern provinces from the rest of the country. Southern resistance to Thai rule has a long history, but the PULO itself emerged in the 1970s as a leading insurgent group. It is generally considered to be politically moderate, focusing on regional and ethnic independence rather than radical Islam or socialism.   <P><br /><br />The insurgency, fought simultaneously by several organizations, was strongest during the 1970s. It began to fade in the 1980s, and was nearly gone by the mid-1990s. Only recently has it reemerged: since January 2004, a new spate of bombings and shootings has occurred in Thailand's three southern provinces. More than 800 people have been killed. The political goals of PULO and other, similar organizations have not been specifically articulated, but the problem is significant. In July 2005, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reserved emergency powers to help combat the insurgency.  <P><br /><br />PULO's most common tactics are drive-by shootings and small bombings. Their attacks focus on public buildings, such as schools and police stations, and also public officials. The most serious incident of the recent insurgency occurred in October of 2004, when protests broke out after six men were arrested for providing the insurgents with weapons. During the army's suppression of the protest, more than 80 Muslims died on the backs of army trucks.

The current revival of the insurgency remains shadowy, having no declared leadership or objectives, but its attacks, including arson, are becoming more sophisticated. Coordinated attacks are increasingly common as well. At this stage, Thai officials tend to group the PULO with other Muslim separatist units when attacks occur. <P><br /><br />Although PULO activity has resurfaced, the organization has changed significantly. Many of its original leaders are in exile, while several hundred former insurgents have accepted an amnesty and are now taking part in peaceful efforts to rebuild the provinces of southern Thailand.  <P>