The Outstanding Characteristics of Women in the Three Southern Border Provinces as Constructed in Prathomsuksa 1 Thai Reading Practices Based on Local Stories

Abstract

             This research article aims at analyzing the outstanding characteristics of women in the three southern border provinces of Thailand as constructed in Prathomsuksa 1 Thai reading practices based on local stories. This research elicited data mainly from the “Prathomsuksa 1 Basic Vocabulary List Book”, and descriptive analysis was employed as part of the research methodology and discussion. The findings interestingly reveal the representation of women in the provinces who possess three outstanding characteristics: 1) young local girls who bravely confront the society outside, have high confidence, which make them differ from typical girls, firmly hold onto Islam, concentrate on improving education, as well as make themselves proud by helping their parents do challenging jobs mostly done by men; 2) female adults who eagerly provide support for their daughters or nieces, thereby contradicting social norms, teach them to always be on alert while playing and having fun in these areas of unrest, as well as are capable of doing both household chores and work such as keeping big animals, thus making them different from typical housewives demanded by the Thai social norms; 3) elderly women who have profound local wisdom, understand the growth and development of their offspring, and as the center of the family, provide solutions to problems for their family members as well as lead them to the righteous Islamic path.