Thai Chinese in Chiang Mai and Identity Construction through Cremation Volumes Published from 1957 to 2014

Abstract

From the study about Chinese People in Chiang Mai with Identity Construction through Cremation Books from 1957 to 2014, it is found that it was not popular for Chinese people in Chiang Mai to reveal their Chinese identity through the cremation books from 1957 to 1992 since being Chinese was not acceptable in Thai society. Mentioning about their ancestors in Chinese name including the name of their clan as the last name in cremation books did not show their Chinese identity. In contrast, Thai and Northern Thai identity were focused instead. Later, from 1993 to 2014, Chinese people tended to disclose their identity through the cremation books as Thai people began to accept them. The Chinese identities that were shown in the cremation books emphasized on the biography of their ancestors in details, Chinese characters, specific characteristics of Chinese people, the remaining of Thai and Northern Thai identity together with the use of Chinese tradition pictures in the cremation books. Therefore, the reveal of Chinese identity through the cremation books during the period mentioned brings about the acceptance among Thai people in Chiang Mai. Moreover, it is beneficial for Chinese people to do a business, to participate in politics, or even to comfort Chinese people who live their life in Chiang Mai.