The Boundary Dispute and Problems of Thai Nationalism

Abstract

This article reviews the boundary dispute between Thailand and neighboring countries that led to the concept of nationalism in Thailand. The boundary dispute can be classified into four types: territorial dispute, positional dispute, functional dispute, and dispute over resource development. In the case of Thailand, there are more than ten disputes between Thailand and neighboring countries. In this amount, there is the boundary dispute that has been suspended by seven parties. Five boundary disputes that are still solving problems. And one case of the suspended boundary dispute, that has been brought into the judicial process of the International Court of Justice. This study found that the important factors leading to success or failure in resolving boundary dispute include the government of each country, domestic politics, nationalist ideology, public understanding about national historical context, international relations and foreign policy, negotiation techniques, and benefit area. Under three levels of mechanisms, including government mechanisms, regional mechanisms, and international mechanisms. In conclusion, this study also encourages the creation of knowledge and understanding of the people towards the common roots and the shared history, as well as the awareness of ASEAN citizenship. And promote the regional mechanisms especially ASEAN as an intermediary to resolve the boundary dispute between member countries.