The majority of Thai Muslims live in the southern region and are mostly of Malay decent. The Southern Muslims are broken into two main groups: the Malay speaking Pattani people of the three most southern provinces, and the Pak Tai (southern Tai dialect) speakers of the remaining southern provinces. Besides Muslims in the South, there are significant Islamic communities in Bangkok

The Pattani Malay people once had their own powerful and prosperous kingdom, until they were invaded and taken over by what was then called Siam (Thailand). Over the years, their unique Muslim culture has led to many separatist movements against the Thai government as they have developed a feeling of independence.