TY - JOUR AU - Aroman, Bandit PY - 2021/04/02 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Tamil Muslim in Thailand: Background and coexistence with Thai Society JF - ASIA PARIDARSANA JA - JAR VL - 41 IS - 2 SE - บทความวิจัย (Research Articles) DO - UR - https://so01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/asianreview/article/view/247006 SP - 73-93 AB - <p>Bangkok Mosque is one of the most important religious places in Thailand. The mosque was established on 25 August 2006 with the support of Tamil Muslim Association in Thailand. This place has inspired author to begin a study on “Tamil Muslims in Thailand: Background and Coexistence with Thai Society”. The study is not only focusing on the historical background of the Tamil Muslims but also the role of their identity and assimilation into Thai society. The article has collected the data from primary and secondary sources for a documentary research. Apart from documents including articles and other publications, the study has also relied on interviews, observations and focus group meetings. The study has come up with the following findings:</p><p>(1) Tamils travelled to many parts of the world especially the lands under British rule, and some groups of Tamil decided to settle in Thailand due to two main factors. The first is the push factor: the struggle in the home nation or in a new country after migration, including the problems relating to the political situation in Hong Kong or the Bumiputera policy of Malaysia. The second is the pull factor: the opportunity for new business and life safety.</p><p>(2) Tamil in Thailand came from Tami Nadu, a state in southern India; they came to Thailand during two different periods of time, first during the reign of King Rama IV and second in the post-World War II period (1948 – 1968). Later they bought lands and settled in Thailand.</p><p>(3) The Tamil Muslim Community is under the umbrella of Tamil Muslim association in Thailand. The association has organized many activities related to the Tamil identity and tradition, as well as those promoting the learning Thai culture, creating awareness, assimilating into Thai society through sport events, food festivals, and social activities, and helping the victims of natural disasters.</p><p>(4) Most Tamil have engaged in jewelry business, trade and other enterprises. Most of them live in Bangrak, Bangkok, and the Chanthaburi areas in the eastern part of Thailand.</p> ER -