**Anutin faces renewed violence in Thailand’s south**

BANGKOK — Thailand’s new Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has inherited an old, violent problem. For more than 20 years, a separatist insurgency in Thailand’s southern provinces has killed thousands. The conflict, near the border with Malaysia, shows no signs of ending. Recent weeks have seen a surge in attacks. The violence is a direct challenge to Anutin, who took office in March 2026. The conflict is often called Thailand’s “forever war.” Like the United States in the Middle East, Thailand finds itself unable to withdraw from a long, bloody struggle. The fighting is centered in the country’s Muslim-majority south. Separatist groups want greater autonomy. Bangkok has tried both military force and peace talks. Neither has worked. Analysts say the new government must find a new strategy. The old one is failing.