The Formation of a Thai-Malaysian Contemporary Identity in Kedah State, Malaysia
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Abstract
This paper explores the construction of the Thai-Malaysian identity in the context of contemporary Malaysian society in Kedah state, Malaysia. The data are drawn from a combination of document research and a cultural anthropology study carried out in Kedah during 2018-2020. The findings reveal that these Thai-Malaysians speak Thai and practice Buddhism, they stand out in the Malay dominated Malaysian society. They want to be regarded as rightful Malaysian citizens with a distinctive cultural identity, and not foreign labour migrants from Thailand. The formation of the Thai-Malaysian identity in Malaysia is possible because of three factors. First, the Thai-Malaysian community has maintained cultural heritage such as Thai language and Buddhist belief. Second, the Malaysian state policies have opened up for other cultures that allow diversities to be part of the national culture. Third, Thai organizations have provided support for Thai cultural transmission among Thai-Malaysian youths in Malaysia. These three main factors contribute to the formation of a distinctive Thai-Malaysian identity within the framework of the Malaysian national identity.
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