Thai education policy and its impact on ethnic minority culture : a study of the Muser hill tribe in Mae Sot, Tak province, Thailand

Abstract

This thesis aims to examine Thai education policy towards the hill tribe and its impact on ethnic culture with the case study of the Muser, Amphur Mae sot, Tak province, Thailand. It also studies the process of cultural preservation, integration and assimilation of the Muser hill tribe through formal, non-formal and informal education. The response of local villagers to cultural change is thoroughly examined. The study adopts a qualitative research method, documentary research, the study of theories and educational policy, participatory observation, focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. Findings from the fieldtrip are presented through analysis description. The study finds that besides knowledge conveyed in central Thai language, Thai identity is inculcated in students in forms of Buddhist teaching, mainstream ethical and moral values and nationalist ideology. Education results in double-ethnic or combined identity in the young Muser, which can be found through their attitude towards their traditional culture and the flexibility in which they perceive themselves as Thai or Muser up to different contexts. Meanwhile, traditional culture fades away gradually after generations. Elements of Muser traditional culture such as cuisine, music, folklore, religion, language and costumes are represented by the young Muser to a lesser extent in comparison with their seniors. New identity comprises of new style for living, new behaviors, different values, beliefs and world views. The most evident examples for new identity are greater belief in Buddhism, the lack of knowledge and understanding about traditional culture, and greater loss of Muser ancestral language in daily conversation. However, it is not an issue for only Muser local people but also for policy makers to have appropriate considerations and the,n take action to help preserve Muser hill tribe's cultural heritage.