As it borders Malaysia, southern Thailand is predominantly Muslim, while the (large) majority of the country is Buddhist. Because of this difference, amongst many others, there is a separatist insurgency in southern Thailand. Since 2004 the region has suffered several attacks and the army is on the streets trying to keep it within the realms of Thailand. Besides the heavy energy of the place, we did not feel welcomed, with people trying to take money from us all the time.