THE FIRST VOICE FROM A STATELESS PERSON: ONG BUNJOON AND A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES BANG PHRAI HEANG SAP CHAMPA AND OTHER STORIES

Abstract

This research article, The First Voice From A Stateless Person: Ong Bunjoon and A Collection Of Short Stories Bang Phrai Heang Sap Champa and Other Stories, aims to 1) analyze representations and metaphors of the diaspora in contemporary narratives and Thai films within the context of globalization from 2011to 2021, and 2) study ethnic bias in Thai society that affects the status of diaspora people of different ethnicities. The focus is on the literary text of Ong Bunjoon, particularly Bang Phrai Heang Sap Champa and Other Stories. The results of the textual analysis indicate that: 1) Diaspora individuals have an inferior status compared to citizens and are subjected to persecution by government officials, such as reductions in their citizenship status, abuse, and wage suppression. 2) Ethnic bias leads to the concealment of the ethnicity of diaspora individuals, resulting in the loss of ethnic identity.