The Mekong River in Contemporary Traditions of Northeastern Thailand: Borderland, Tourism, and Development Discourse
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Abstract
The primary focus of this article is the way in which the Mekong River in Thailand’s Northeastern region is represented within the context of tourism. The article investigates how these representations are shaped by government policies that foster tourism and economic development in rural and border areas, such as the Mekong River Area Development Project, the initiatives to develop tourism routes along the river, and the development of economic collaboration with the neighboring countries. Through these projects, the Mekong River area emerges as a focal point for showcasing its significance as a border region, a narrative woven into the development discourse to drive tourism activities in Thailand. The article focuses on the following four main overlapping themes that serve as representative images of the Mekong River: 1) a space of national security, 2) a space of integration, 3) a space of global and modern significance, and 4) an arena of capitalism and consumerism, wherein local communities grapple with social transformations. The modern Isan Mekong communities, particularly over the past decade, epitomize the complexity inherent in these four themes. These issues continue to resonate deeply with communities along the Mekong River, profoundly shaping their way of life to the present day.
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