Multiculturalism in the Lower Southern Border Region: Context, History, and Sustainable Management Approaches
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
The southern border region of Thailand is characterized by a high degree of ethnic and religious diversity, shaped by historical and geographical factors that have facilitated continuous cultural exchange. Differences in social systems, lifestyles, and economic structures have contributed to ongoing challenges in intercommunal coexistence, as well as to a sense of alienation stemming from state policies that emphasize centralized governance without adequately reflecting the needs of all population groups.
This article analyzes the unique characteristics of multiculturalism in Thailand’s southern border provinces through several dimensions: a review of existing research and peace studies in the region; an examination of the historical and geographical foundations of multiculturalism; an exploration of the challenges associated with cultural diversity in the area; and the identification of strategies for managing and fostering multicultural understanding. The study emphasizes that encouraging active community participation in cultural activities that reflect the identities of diverse groups can help reduce misunderstandings and build stronger intercommunal relationships. Promoting learning about cultural differences through both formal education and community-based initiatives is essential for cultivating values of peaceful coexistence. Furthermore, the development of collaborative networks among government agencies, educational institutions, and local communities is identified as a key strategy for enhancing social harmony, mitigating conflict, and advancing sustainable development in Thailand’s southern border region.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
All published articles are evaluated by three qualified peer reviewers from various institutions through a double-blind process, where reviewers do not know the authors’ identities and authors do not know the reviewers’ identities. The content and articles in the Hatyai Academic Journal reflect the authors’ views only and are neither the opinions of the editorial board nor the responsibility of Hatyai University. The Editorial Board of the Hatyai Academic Journal allows articles to be reproduced for academic purposes, on the condition that the original source is clearly cited.
References
Arphattananon, T. (2018). Multicultural education in Thailand. Intercultural Education, 29(2), 149-162.
Briphet, P. (2020). Educational management according to multicultural approach of schools under the Office of Krabi Primary Education Service Area, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi Province (Independent study). Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi. [in Thai]
Buranachat, S. (2015). Educational management in the era of ASEAN Community according to the concept of multicultural education. Journal of Community Development Research, Humanities and Social Sciences, 8(3), 1-12. [in Thai]
Chimpalee, S. (2022). Cultural identity of old market community: A case study of Talad-Noi Community, Bangkok (Master’s thesis). Thammasat University, Bangkok. [in Thai]
Dissaman, A. (2023). Nationalism policy and assimilation policy for Malay-Muslim people in southern border provinces of Thailand: Impact from past to present. Integrated Social Science Journal, 2(1), 240-266. [in Thai]
Jantawongsri, W., Chaowarakul, J., Bunyasut, S., & Benchamapronchai, P. (2023). Guidelines for the development of educational management according to the concept of multicultural education. Journal of Rajanagarindra, 20(1), 98-110. [in Thai]
Kiatnarumol, J., & Pangkesorn, A. (2023). Creative media: Friendship for children in the multicultural way of the southern border. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mahasarakham University, 42(5), 694-705. [in Thai]
Maluleem, J. (2021). The pattern and process of peace negotiation and conflict resolution in the Deep South of Thailand. Journal of Innovation and Management, 6(2), 92–101. [in Thai]
Ministry of Culture. (2019). Southern cultural heritage. Retrieved from http://book.culture.go.th/SouthernCulture/files/downloads [in Thai]
Narkurairattana, P., & Sa-U, S. (2022). Sustainable peacebuilding in southern Thailand’s plural communities based on cultural rights and holistic health for peace: An exploration for feasibility. Journal of MCU Peace Studies, 10(3), 954–970. [in Thai]
Pannapikul, S. (2017). Factors impinging upon the resolution to the insurgency problems in three southernmost provinces of Thailand. Journal of Rangsit Graduate Studies in Business and Social Sciences, 2(2), 15-27. [in Thai]
Phunwoon, P. (2018). Perception of cultural identity, uniqueness and symbol affecting the Mon’s awareness towards socio-cultural impacts of tourism in Ko Kret, Thailand (Master’s thesis). Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. [in Thai]
Phukhothin, U., Pratoomkaew, S., Saichart, T., & Intawee, P. (2022). Multiculturalism: Coexistence of communities based on Buddhist-integrated Saraniyadhamma. Journal of MCU Peace Studies, 10(5), 2313-2325. [in Thai]
Phuwaborirak, K. (2021). Concept of public space and education in the multicultural society of the three southern border provinces. Retrieved from https://researchcafe.tsri.or.th/culture/ [in Thai]
Piyasiripon, N. (2018). Multicultural communities in the midst of nationalism discourse in Deep South of Thailand. The National Defence College of Thailand Journal, 60(2), 59–74. [in Thai]
Raksornsilp, P. (2023). Ethnic groups in Thailand. Retrieved from https://ethnicity.sac.or.th/database-ethnic/195 [in Thai]
Rangubtook, S., & Chaimusik, S. (2024). Conflict management in communities: A case study of multicultural communities. Journal of Kwan Phayao, 1(5), 64–72. [in Thai]
Saengkool, P. (2021). The role of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front in solving problems in the southern border provinces through the Thai Buddhist repatriation project (Individual research document). Bangkok: Army Command and General Staff College. [in Thai]
Songsiri, W. (2016). “Patani”: The city of memories. Retrieved from https://lek-prapai.org/home/view.php?id=195 [in Thai]
Sopapol, W. (2022). Analyzing the promotion of multiculturalism in national security policy plan in the Deep South. Journal of Human Rights and Peace Studies, 8(1), 111–135. [in Thai]
Sununta, S. (2013). Learning from the West?: The state of the multicultural debate in Thailand. Journal of Language and Culture, 32(1), 5-30. [in Thai]
Tavorn, C. (2023). Policy recommendation from research and solving problems in Thailand’s southern border provinces. Journal of Political and Social Agenda, 2(2), 75-89. [in Thai]
Tepsing, P., Laeheem, K., & Azizskun, H. (2021). Imams and the enhancement of the relationship between Muslims and Buddhists in the three southern border provinces of Thailand. Journal of Liberal Arts, Maejo University, 9(2), 207-223. [in Thai]
Thitadhammo, P. M., Pangthrap, K., & Kamol, P. (2019). Living together of peoples in multicultural societies of Thailand: A case study of multicultural society of Muang District, Chiang Mai Province. Mahachula Academic Journal, 6(2), 46-59. [in Thai]
Thongmark, S., Neimted, W., Choosuwan, R., & Sittichai, R. (2018). Looking backwards and forwards of educational quality in three southern border provinces of Thailand. Princess of Naradhiwas University Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(special edition), 186-198. [in Thai]
Tieojaroenkit, T. (2020). Peaceful means in Thai national security policies for the southern border. Governance Journal, Kalasin University, 9(1), 304-343. [in Thai]
Waba, N. (2018). Achievement-oriented strategy of management for national security in the three southern border provinces. Journal of Rangsit Graduate Studies in Business and Social Sciences, 4(1), 102-114. [in Thai]
Yahprung, M. I. (2022). State multiculturalism and multiculturalism of the Melayu Muslims: A case study of the dialogue on the idea of multiculturalism in southern Thailand. Journal of Islamic Studies, Prince of Songkla University, 13(1), 228-253. [in Thai]
