Redefining Space of Phuket Studies: Multicultural Citizenship in Phuket Island.

Abstract

          The objectives of this qualitative research were: 1) to investigate spatial context affecting the creation of new identity and diversity in Phuket culture, and 2) to propose a guideline promoting multicultural citizenship in Phuket Island (Koh Phuket) by studying from relevant books, academic articles, research studies and structured interviews involving 3 groups of stakeholders as follows: 1) a group of 2 experts in the strategic development and cultural policy of Phuket province, 2) a group of 2 academic officers specializing in Thai and global citizenship, as well as the promotion and development of citizenship in various dimensions, 3) a group of 2 local historians. The research findings from the study showed that multicultural citizenship in Phuket Island should consist of characteristics: 1) democratic citizenship, 2) environmental citizenship, 3) “Tong Ho” citizenship, 4) international citizenship, and 5) digital citizenship. These characteristics led to a guideline promoting multicultural citizenship in Phuket Island through propelling education system using a national education curriculum as the major instrument in conjunction with a local curriculum for the subject of Phuket study with the learning strand about characteristics of multicultural citizenship in Phuket Island in 5 aspects. A guideline promoting multicultural citizenship consisted of teaching and learning activities, modifying of teaching and learning, organizing extra activities or integrating subjects to raise students’ awareness of the importance of multicultural citizenship and be able to adjust themselves to live together in the island in a quality manner.