Thai-Chinese Relations: A Study of Cultural Acceptance and Assimilation ความสัมพันธ์ไทย-จีน : ว่าด้วยเรื่องการกลมเกลียวและกลืนกลายทางวัฒนธรรม

Abstract

A significant number of Chinese immigrants had sought refuge in Thailand for an extended period, giving rise to Chinese communities in Thailand. Initially, these communities were concentrated in the central and eastern regions, and southern coastal provinces along the Gulf of Thailand. This migration pattern is attributed to the maritime activities of the Hokkien and Cantonese people who used junk boats as their primary mode of transportation.

The sentence “The Chinese and Thai are as close as siblings” underscores the deep-rooted friendship, particularly in the context of cultural relations. This strong bond is a result of long-standing mutual cultural acceptance, exemplified by intermarriages between Thai men and Chinese women,           as well as between Thai women and Chinese men. Thai culture has permeated Chinese families, just as Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thai households. In addition, their shared ancestry, customs, and beliefs have significantly contributed to their integration, leading to cultural acceptance and assimilation. However, societal phenomena, including the worldviews, perspectives, and values of the Thai elite in each era, have also played a crucial role in this process.