Story and photos by ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA

DIVIDED BY TEARS

Project aims to build understanding between Muslims and Buddhists

Asoh Sari, 42, lost her husband in the Krue Se mosque massacre in Pattani in 2004. She has since suffered much pain and grief which she never shared with those in the distant mainstream of Thai society. Not until she met her buddy Buddhist families in Bangkok late last year.

Ms Asoh was among 10 Muslim families affected by violence in the South who were selected for the ''buddy family'' project funded by the Canadian government.

It is one of 14 projects that began in September last year to promote security for those living in the deep South.

Spearheaded by Prince of Songkhla University, the projects aim to create understanding and cooperation between Buddhist and Muslim families.

The 10 Muslim families, mostly widows and orphans who lost their family heads.

Bangkok Post
Sunday February 11, 2007