Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the living conditions of victims’ families from the unrest in Pattani, Thailand, and to evaluate the success of the “healing victims’ project”. A total of 284 victim families in Pattani province were interviewed during January to October 2007. The informants were most commonly the victims’ wife (73%), were on average 42.2±12.8 years of age. The majority of victims were male (95.8%), were the head of the family (84.5%), of working age (45.9 ± 12.4). 51.4% were Muslim. Most were married (85.9%) and 88.5% of the victims had children. The most common educational level was primary (48.8%) and the most common occupation was agriculture (19%). Most were shot (88%) and 65.1% died. Of all victims, 19.4% incurred asset damage. There were a median of 3 (0 - 9) dependents per family. Aspects of family life that deteriorated most severely after the assault were their sense of personal security and total value of their assets (70.4%) followed by stress (66.6%) and financial problems (65.9%). Aid was received from either government or private sectors by 96.5% of families but 64.1% reported that it fell short of needs. The most urgent need for aid was financial (40.6%), scholarship for children (22.6%) and personal security and assets (16.6%). In practice the most frequent aid received was financial (92.7%). There were 732 children from 284 victim families. The average age was 17.1 ± 10.4 years and 54.2 % were female. Although most of victims’ families received some aid, there is a need to monitor system and comprehensive and swift assistance for those affected.

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