eCite Digital Repository
Being Thai: a narrow identity in a wide world
Citation
Farrelly, N, Being Thai: a narrow identity in a wide world, Southeast Asian Affairs pp. 331-344. ISSN 0377-5437 (2016) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2016 ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute
DOI: doi:10.1355/9789814695671-023
Abstract
Being Special
In January 2015 the Tourism Authority of Thailand launched its "Discover Thainess"
campaign. In a country where travel and tourism support a significant fraction
of the population, and directly contribute 8.6 per cent of GDP, the country’s
good image is a tremendous asset.1
This campaign is designed to highlight the
"unique" qualities of the kingdom at a time when its international reputation
has been buffeted by domestic political upheavals. With two military coups in
the past decade, and an economy that has fallen behind the impressive growth
rates elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Thailand has looked to trade on its cultural
endowments. Images of traditional dancers, colourful hill tribes and distinctive
cuisine have led the push for visitors to "Discover Thainess". This foreigner focused marketing initiative matches an internal drive that encourages the Thai
people to defend their heritage. These are both politically charged efforts. The
cultural politics of "Thainess" has surged since General Prayuth Chan-ocha and
his junta, known as the National Council for Peace and Order, seized power.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Keywords: | Thainess, dictatorship |
Research Division: | Human Society |
Research Group: | Political science |
Research Field: | Government and politics of Asia and the Pacific |
Objective Division: | Law, Politics and Community Services |
Objective Group: | International relations |
Objective Field: | International political economy (excl. international trade) |
UTAS Author: | Farrelly, N (Professor Nicholas Farrelly) |
ID Code: | 145230 |
Year Published: | 2016 |
Deposited By: | Office of the School of Social Sciences |
Deposited On: | 2021-07-12 |
Last Modified: | 2021-09-21 |
Downloads: | 0 |
Repository Staff Only: item control page