The Thairath Online News Team met with operational-level BRN allies to discuss the opening of a new front in their struggle. The goal now is not just carrying out violent acts but involves broader aims amid hopes for peace negotiations to bring lasting peace to the people of the three southern border provinces.
The Thairath Online News Team visited the three southern border provinces and met with operational-level BRN members. They discussed the core strategies in this changing era, notably the IO structure integrated into their overall strategy, which involves targeting social media attacks monthly, with orders disseminated down to the village level alongside violent incidents.
The Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN), or the "National Revolutionary Front of Malay Patani," is a separatist movement central to the unrest in Thailand's southern border region. Founded in 1960, it focuses on Patani's independence through guerrilla warfare and mass mobilization tactics.
The news team also expressed hope for peace talks to restore tranquility to the three southern border provinces in the near future.
A source within the BRN allies explained that the BRN’s strategy is updated every two years, establishing a "parallel state" structure with departments overseeing defense, politics, foreign affairs, and more.
Territorially, the organization divides areas into villages, each often led by a leader similar to a village chief, with leaders equivalent to provincial level overseeing areas spanning two to three districts.
Most attacks are carried out by units of six personnel called a 'team,' designed as rapid-response forces for operations.
Twelve personnel constitute two teams, called a 'squad.'
Three squads form a 'platoon.'
Three platoons compose a 'company.'
Several companies together form a 'battalion.'
Their operational philosophy emphasizes publicity to instill fear among the local population, leaving a lasting impression after each attack. Orders stress that whether winning or losing battles, they must achieve political and strategic victories, effectively using these actions to inform international human rights organizations and promote self-governance aspirations.
BRN leadership defines earlier generations as the 'National Liberation Era,' focused on full independence. The current leadership era, called the 'Nation-Building Era,' has shifted goals toward achieving self-governance rather than outright independence.
For over 20 years, the BRN emphasized violent acts to destabilize the region. Now, the focus has shifted to building armed forces and expanding youth networks.
The current leader began work on the ground in 2022 and officially took office in 2024. In 2023 alone, they established approximately 520 youth groups in the area.
Each attack is carefully planned, with operatives retreating afterward through natural routes to neighboring countries.
The BRN's news production and counteractions operate through four levels:
1. The grassroots level, responsible for driving, directing, and working in the field.
2. The mid-level, overseeing operatives and analyzing operational successes and failures.
3. A further analysis of issues identified at the mid-level.
4. Utilizing insights from step 3 to formulate plans for subsequent operations.
BRN's IO operations are clearly divided, with monthly orders sent to village-level networks. Key principles for social media responses include:
1. Presenting their own strengths.
2. Highlighting opponents' weaknesses.
3. Using any criticisms of the BRN to their advantage.
4. Turning opponents' strengths into perceived weaknesses.
Leaders must ensure operatives feel the following:
1. Discuss all conditions and critique various perspectives before acting to reach consensus.
2. Foster empathy through logical reasoning.
3. Cultivate motivation to carry out orders regardless of circumstances.
4. Feel a strong sense of responsibility both before and after operations.
5. View failures and problems as beginnings for new tasks.
BRN's IO strategy not only reduces opponents' confidence but also rejects any operations that harm their cause, thereby convincing local residents that state authorities provide their security.
BRN members are required to contribute financially as follows:
- Daily contributions of 1 baht per person.
- Monthly contributions from families ranging from 10 to 100 baht.
- Emergency funds collected up to six times a year per family, each between 60 to 100 baht.
- Earnings shared from general work, varying according to family income.
- "Lightning" funds raised when operations result in casualties, collected up to six times annually at 30 baht each.
Reports indicate that these donations have amassed over 200 million baht for the BRN, alongside investments in restaurants and real estate abroad.