Thailand military 'spoilers' step on peace prospects in troubled south

BANGKOK -- While a decadeslong ethnic conflict rages in Thailand's three southernmost provinces, online platforms are extending their reach as a political voice for Malay-Muslims, the largest minority in this predominantly Buddhist country.

Wartani, which is a local expression for regional news, attracted thousands more followers to its Facebook page soon after the Thai government and Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the troubled region's biggest rebel group, restarted peace talks in Malaysia this month after a year-long silence.