Recent deadly clashes between Muslims and Buddhists in southern Thailand mark a departure from the traditional Thai way.

More than 400 people have died violently this year, including 85 Muslim protesters on October 25, a Buddhist monk on November 3, and a soldier shot in the chest while guarding a monastery on November 5.

Open ethnic or religious conflicts have traditionally been almost unheard of in Thailand. It has stood out as an example of tolerance in a region rife with ethnic divisions. Neighbors such as Myanmar have had problems with Karen and other tribal separatists, and resentment against Chinese in Malaysia and Indonesia has erupted in waves of violence.

More than 90 percent of Thai people are Buddhists, and in most of Thailand, millions of Chinese and other racial and religious minorities are well-integrated and accepted.

The three southernmost provinces on the Malaysian border are predominantly Muslim. The majority in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces speak Malay. The Thai government and royal family have made genuine efforts over the years to reach out to the people and integrate them into the Thai mainstream. Yet separatist movements remained, and recent violent incidents have escalated the situation dramatically.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra cancelled his trip to Chile for the APEC conference to deal with the current crisis. Schools have been shut amid rumors of possible hostage-taking, and traditional ceremonies at Buddhist temples in the area are down dramatically.

According to the BBC, a militant group called the Pattani United Liberation Organization (Pulo) posted a warning message on its website last week urging Buddhist citizens to leave the area. They also threatened terrorist attacks in Bangkok.

For a nation of tolerance, the solution does not appear to be at hand.