Religious Tolerance And Muslim Minorities In Thailand: A Ta’ayush (Coexistence) Analysis

Religious tolerance and the ethos of coexistence “ta’ayush†require the acknowledgement and acceptance of religious differences without resorting to discrimination. These attitudes are fundamental to every faith, and freedom of religion must be upheld by all states. Yet, Muslim minorities today face persistent challenges in many of the countries where they reside. In Thailand, Muslims have endured restrictions imposed by the state that curtail their religious freedom. This article traces the historical trajectory of Thailand’s Muslim minorities, identifies the issues and obstacles confronting them, and evaluates initiatives that aim to support these communities. Employing a qualitative case‑study design, the study collects and analyses data from journals, scholarly articles, and monographs. The findings demonstrate that Thailand’s state‑building project designed to promote a unified national identity has adversely affected Muslim minorities. Deep seated distrust and discriminatory practices have further marginalised these communities. The study concludes by offering practical recommendations for a more equitable and effective framework of religious tolerance for Muslim minorities in Thailand.