Ethnic Relations in the Border of Thailand-Malaysia

Abstract

The objectives of the research on Ethnic Relations in Border of Thailand – Malaysia are to study the process of cultural assimilation and acceptance of culture, polity, education, and the impact of ethnic relations on the stability, security and peace of Thailand –Malaysia border areas. The research methodology adopted in this research are direct observation, focus group discussion, and interview. with the Malay Muslim  and Thai Buddhist communities of  Thailand–Malaysia border areas. The findings of this research are as follows ; a) The relations between Thai Buddhist and Malay Muslim have been generated between them in certain aspects such as food, language in daily life and inter-ethnic marriage  that has led to their mutual understanding and cooperation. b) The political relations are different in various levels namely, more positive and cooperative in political activities at local level than national one. c) Education can be an important part in building the two ethnic communities. At kindergarten level the inculcation of bilateral relation between the two ethnic communities is the best in the sense that it can be easier to make way for their intimate friendship and mutual cultural acceptance in the future. At graduate level, education is able to bring a high level inter-ethnic relations between the two groups into existence.  It can also create the sense of responsibility for them and their societies to understand their ways of life better that can further help widen their vision and apply various sciences which they have learnt in developing good relations between ethnic and social groups. d) The existence of prejudice still have an impact on the relationships between the two groups that has created a gap between them, hence, sometimes can make an impact on the society in that area and the security of the country at.