Thai exceptionalism

Thai exceptionalism is the belief that Thailand is an exceptional country with an exceptional culture. "This is the view that Thailand is a special country with unique characteristics that cannot be found in other countries. 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 elaborate, refined, and esteemed system of monarchy...it's a country minimally dependent 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.

Not all Thai characteristics are good. Thailand is a nation of lawbreakers according to Mechai Viravaidya, the renowned condom crusader.[2]

Criticism

Critics of the notion of Thai exceptionalism cite nationalistic arrogance as a barrier to ASEAN integration, as well as an impediment to prosperity and stability by way of justifying the grossly 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. It has been described by some Thai academics as "mere state propaganda".[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Fry, Gerald W; Nieminen, Gayla S; Smith, Harold E (2013). Historical Dictionary of Thailand. Scarecrow Press. p. 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.
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