Transborder and Thailand Representation in Lao Short stories

Abstract

      The aim of this article is to analyze important concepts in contemporary or socialist realism Lao short stories in an anthology of short stories called “Khon Khai Khon” written by Boonthanong Somsaiphon to understand the concepts of the Lao writer in social change in Laos through literature.

One main issue presented in the short stories written by Boonthanong is the Laotian way of life in the cross-border globalization age. The writer places emphasis on social change in Laos as a result of globalization. He illustrates influence of borderless media and consumerism in Thai society on Laotians causing them to cross the border to work in Thailand for better life. Moreover, he presents Thais and Thail and representations, and the fate of Laotian workers who are influenced by the media to cross the border illegally which is a wrong decision. As a result, characters in the short stories are exploited and have to face with ill-fated destiny.