Thailand, also a predominantly Theravada Buddhist country, is also mired in the same trap of racism -- albeit not as deeply. Until very recently, the global image of Myanmar is one of a devout Buddhist country struggling against atrocious military dictatorship. That the ethnic Muslims there were actually brought in by Britain during colonial days. It does not matter that racial purity is a myth and most Buddhist Thais are far from being Buddhist, you just have to play the game. The southern Muslims are never called invaders for a simple reason; it was Siam which invaded and annexed the Malay Muslim principalities over two centuries ago.

Source: Bangkok Post December 09, 2017 00:00 UTC