Thai exceptionalism

Thai exceptionalism is the belief that Thailand is an exceptional country with an exceptional culture. This view is held by many Thais, particularly the elite. Among unique ideas held are that Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to be colonized, its perceived elaborate, refined, and esteemed system of monarchy, and its minimal dependence on imported food.[1] Other exceptional claims relate to complexity of naming systems and Thai language and to the assumption that violence is rare despite numerous coups d'état and a long list of massacres.

Thai expectionalism can also be framed negatively. For example, Thailand is a nation of lawbreakers according to Mechai Viravaidya.[2]

Historical context

Thailand is the only nation to successfully resist colonialism in Southeast Asia. This is typically presented as a heroic tale of the Chakri Dynasty. The fact that Thai cultures have little western influence illustrates this.

Thailand is the tenth most visited country in the world, which has been claimed by government as proof that Thailand has a unique culture.

Criticism

Some western scholars take issue with the notion of Thai Exceptionalism. Some consider it elitist and feel it causes friction between Thais and their neighbours. However the term "exceptionalism" in this context, does not mean superiority; it is more closely aligned with uniqueness, and a general feeling that Thailand has distinctive traits that are not shared with other regions.

Isolationist

Critics cite nationalistic arrogance as a barrier to ASEAN integration, as well as an impediment to prosperity and stability by way of justifying the unequal social structure of Thai society.[3] In 2018 the Thai government created a "soft power" campaign called Thai Niyom (Thai-ism) (Thai: ไทยนิยม; RTGS: thai niyom) to reinforce the notion of Thai exceptionalism. Some Thai academics label it "mere state propaganda".[4]

On occasion, Thai exceptionalist was used to justify blocking foreign agents. An example is foreign minister Don Poramatwinai's intention to block foreign election observers, stating, "Thai are proud to held election without foreign influence"[5]

Political dogmatism

Numerous events led patriotic Thai netizens to employ Thai exceptionalism to counter criticism from foreigners, mostly Lèse Majesté cases. Sometime Thai exceptionalism was used to dismiss criticism toward authoritarianism, such as Apirat Kongsompong's speech:

Students, scholars and even government officials, no matter where you graduated from, should bear in mind that democracy needs to be adjusted in line with local culture and norms. We are Thai and this is Thai democracy. You have to adapt what you have learned to fit within our country, Thai democracy is the notion of Thais love Thais, and we are united.[6]

Scholars suggest that Apirat's speech is an attack on Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, Future Forward's secretary-general after he attempted to abolish the Junta's constitution.

Other Southeast Asian cultures

Many scholars suggest that Thai culture has been influenced by foreign cultures. Given that Thailand evolved from Indianized Kingdoms such as the Khmer Empire and Ayutthaya Kingdom, many similarities between Thai culture and neighboring cultures such as Muay Thai and Pradal serey, or Songkran and Thingyan have been highlighted.

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See also

References
  1. Fry, Gerald W; Nieminen, Gayla S; Smith, Harold E (2013). Historical Dictionary of Thailand. Scarecrow Press. pp. 405–406. ISBN 081087525X. Retrieved 2018-05-28.
  2. Fry, Gerald W (2014-05-19). "Thai exceptionalism - a myth or Reality?" (Opinion). The Nation. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  3. Stent, Jim (2014-05-23). "Deja vu in Thailand, but what comes next?". Nikkei Asian Review. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  4. Phataranawik, Phatarawadee (27 May 2018). "SPECIAL REPORT: How the junta misused culture to boost 'Thai-ism'". The Nation. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  5. Manager Online, (Thai) (15 December 2018). "Don blocked foriegn [sic] election observers because Thai is prestigious". Manager Online. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  6. Ganjanakhundee, Supalak (3 April 2019). "Army chief's comments a threat to democracy: scholars". The Nation. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
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