The Representation of Thais in Cambodian History Textbooks Grade 7-12

Abstract

This article aims to study the representation of Thais in Cambodian high school history textbooks. The findings reveal seven key aspects of how Thais are depicted as follows: 1) Thais are portrayed as forest dwellers who migrated from southern China; 2) Thais are seen as a group of bandits who robbed Khmer lands and culture; 3) Thais are shown as enemies of the Khmer; 4) Thais are represented as ungrateful towards the Khmer; 5) Thais are depicted as having been defeated by the Burmese; 6) Thais have good kings; and 7) Thai politics appears absolutely chaotic. The drawbacks of these textbooks are the inaccuracy of the historical information and the misuse of overly emotional literary language. This may reflect the writers’ intention to foster a sense of nationalism by depicting Thailand as a dangerous national enemy to the Khmer.