Inquiring the meaning of 'Peoples' under the right to self-determination: The case of Patani people in Southern Thailand

This thesis examines the definition of peoples who may claim the right to self-determination. It also inquiries into situations where peoples may claim the right to self-determination, which is usually associated with the right to be free from colonial power. To that end, this thesis focuses on the Patani people in Southern Thailand. This research is carried out via in-depth analysis of statutes, cases, and interviews with local leaders, which further illustrates the need for a legal definition of peoples under international law. This thesis argues that the Patani people satisfy the criteria of a people based on the similarity characteristics of history, language, culture, and religion, connection to the territory and their consciousness as a distinct people. Even though the Patani people are not a colonial people under the definition of international law, the right of self-determination is guaranteed to them as Indigenous people and Minorities. Furthermore, if an element of oppression exists, Patani people have the full right to exercise the right of self-determination in terms of social, cultural, and economic development under international law.