Trade and mutual dependence across Ethnic Bboundaries: a Case Study of the Bank of the Bang Nara River, Narathiwat Province in Southern Thailand

Abstract

This article aimed to study a relationship model and relationship management via trade and mutual dependence of people living along Bang Nara River of Narathiwat District. The data was collected through observations and interviews of the second, third and fourth generations in order to understand dynamics of relationships among ethnic groups. It was found that trading condition was a factor to determine forms of ethnic groups and their relations. For the relationship management, Malay, muslim fisherfolks, clearly determined their own identities by calling themselves ‘Nayu’, while Chinese people were called ‘Jeenor’ and Thais were called ‘Seeyae’. A group of ‘Nayu’ was hardly adjusted themselves compared to a group of Chinese, who had their tactics to adapt their own ethnic identities for trade benefits. Therefore, they possessed better dynamics in adjustment than other groups. The Thai living in suburbs moved to urban areas to work in chinese shops. Local Malay language was used to communicate in trade negotiation, so they became ‘more familiar with each other’. Changes in ethnicities occurred at individual levels, but ‘Nayu’ won’t change to ‘Jeenor’ or ‘Seeyae’. Though limitations of economics and types of trades led to relationship building opportunities among ethnic groups, they still maintained their own ethnic identities.