[JimSEA]

Buddhism isn’t a suicide pact. In Burma, the Sangha is largely appointed by the government so it’s a little easier to get them behind anti Islam conflict that’s been brewing since WWII. However, there is the idea of a just war in Buddhism and self defense from invaders fits that bill.

[dennisw]

Tell that to the Thai Buddhists. They are being killed by Muslims to drive them out of Southern Thailand

• Thai Army Hands Out Weapons to Civilians in Southern Conflict

  VICE News-Nov 7, 2014

  Thailand's army has distributed 2,700 assault rifles to civilian volunteers in the country's Muslim-dominated south amid a ... been regularly targeted by the insurgents in bombings, drive-by-shootings and summary executions.
• 

  Thai military distributes rifles to fight insurgents in south

  BBC News-Nov 4, 2014

  Thailand's army distributed 2,700 assault rifles to volunteers over ... The policy comes amid a spike in violence in the conflict which afflicts the Muslim-majority provinces. ... three others injured in a drive-by attack when a gunman in a pick-up ... of local residents to help them take on the separatist movement.