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Unveiling unity: how Thailand’s Muslim minorities weave a multicultural society

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Title: Unveiling unity: how Thailand’s Muslim minorities weave a multicultural society
Authors: Setia Gumilar, Mohammad Taufiq Rahman, Dody S. Truna, Muhammad Roflee Waehama
Source: Cogent Arts & Humanities, Vol 12, Iss 1 (2025)
Publisher Information: Taylor & Francis Group, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Fine Arts
LCC:Arts in general
LCC:General Works
LCC:History of scholarship and learning. The humanities
Subject Terms: Contemporary history, multiculturalism, Muslim minority, Pattani, Southern Thailand, Islamic Philosophy, Fine Arts, Arts in general, NX1-820, General Works, History of scholarship and learning. The humanities, AZ20-999
Description: This research analyzes the implementation of multicultural practices in Thailand, especially in Muslim minority communities, and compares it with other Southeast Asian countries, namely Myanmar and the Philippines. Using qualitative methods as well as multiculturalism and cultural identity theory, this research explores the similarities, differences, challenges and opportunities in supporting diversity and inclusion. Accordingly, the study employed semi-structured interviews with ten voluntary participants who were selected to provide in-depth insights relevant to the research objectives. The research results show that although there are policies to promote multiculturalism, their implementation is uneven and Muslim communities in Southern Thailand face discrimination and inequality. Comparisons with Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines revealed similar obstacles, even though all three countries have national principles that support multiculturalism. This research identifies opportunities such as increased awareness of minority rights and economic empowerment, but challenges such as ethnic conflict and inconsistent policies remain significant. The findings of this study validate the important contributions of Taylor, Connolly and Eck by illustrating that multiculturalism requires institutional recognition and sustained and tangible engagement with diversity to achieve true inclusion in Southeast Asia.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2331-1983
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2331-1983
DOI: 10.1080/23311983.2025.2579170
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/17a62ae79648416aa830c4c05124e2c5
Accession Number: edsdoj.17a62ae79648416aa830c4c05124e2c5
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:This research analyzes the implementation of multicultural practices in Thailand, especially in Muslim minority communities, and compares it with other Southeast Asian countries, namely Myanmar and the Philippines. Using qualitative methods as well as multiculturalism and cultural identity theory, this research explores the similarities, differences, challenges and opportunities in supporting diversity and inclusion. Accordingly, the study employed semi-structured interviews with ten voluntary participants who were selected to provide in-depth insights relevant to the research objectives. The research results show that although there are policies to promote multiculturalism, their implementation is uneven and Muslim communities in Southern Thailand face discrimination and inequality. Comparisons with Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines revealed similar obstacles, even though all three countries have national principles that support multiculturalism. This research identifies opportunities such as increased awareness of minority rights and economic empowerment, but challenges such as ethnic conflict and inconsistent policies remain significant. The findings of this study validate the important contributions of Taylor, Connolly and Eck by illustrating that multiculturalism requires institutional recognition and sustained and tangible engagement with diversity to achieve true inclusion in Southeast Asia.
ISSN:23311983
DOI:10.1080/23311983.2025.2579170