Field marshal P.Phibunsongkhram's nation-building policy and its impact on muslim identity in southern thailand (1939-1944)

Abstract

Ratthaniyom proclamation during the period of Field Marshal Phibunsongkhram was an introduction to change the national identity of people who were the habitants of Thailand. This campaign under the Phibun's government attempted to re-build "Thai-ness" perception among Thai people In this research, I found that Muslim people in the southernmost provinces of Thailand were directly impacted from this proclamation. The government policy was very ethnocentric. Identities of Muslim people which were directly impacted were language, education, clothing, and some local culture and tradition. This change created the feeling of alienation among the Muslim people in the area and conflicting relationship between these Muslim people and the government became unavoidable.