DESPITE a general perception that Thailand is deeply divided politically, a survey released yesterday revealed that most people consider themselves part of a silent force |that remains undecided about ideology and has yet to take a political stance.

Peaceful Muslims, who form the overwhelming majority, watch in horror and disbelief as extremists plot day after day to hijack their faith’s good name. The misguided minority tether their violent rage to a distorted version of the religion and project it