泰國之中國經濟研究—機構、人物與議題

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(1)國立臺灣師範大學國際與僑教學院東亞學系碩士論文. Department of East Asian Studies College of International Studies and Social Sciences. National Taiwan Normal University Master Thesis. 泰國之中國經濟研究—機構、人物與議題 Chinese Economic Studies in Thailand—Institutes, Researchers and Agendas 林靖琬 Lalinya Eamchit 指導教授：邵軒磊 PhD. SHAO, Hsuanlei 中華民國 105 年 1 月 January 2016.

(2) 碩士學位論文通過簽表. i.

(3) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. The dissertation has given me various lessons to learn. It is a valuable opportunity from the Department of East Asian Studies, National Taiwan Normal University that offered me to conduct this research study. I have got chances to study so much along the way to finish this master thesis. However, the thesis would not have been succeed without the great and kind supports from many people, that allow me to take this opportunity to acknowledge them. First and foremost, I would like to thank my beloved family and special friends in Taipei, Thailand and the United Kingdom for the precious support and inspiration. They gave me the greatest power and strength that help me to get through the hard times. I have to say that I would not come this far without their encouragement. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my professors of the Department of East Asian Studies. They always provided me with beneficial guidance, from the beginning to the end of this track. Especially thanks to my thesis supervisor, Professor Shao Hsuanlei for his thoughtful suggestion and advice. Thank you all my classmate for their kind help through the years, my success today would not be possible without their support. I sincerely appreciate all the participants of this research, who were willing to sacrifice their valuable time and provide very useful information. The accomplishment of this research comes from their contributions and I do feel thankful for that. Especially, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Somsak Tambunlertchai, who helps me throughout the information inquiry period. Last but not least, I wish to thank my beloved friend, Nicky, who always gave me the greatest encouragement, who never forget to express her concern and goodwill for everyone. Although she could not finish her dissertation and obtain the Master Degree as wished, but I would like to say that I already did it for you. Remember you had the biggest heart than anyone I have ever known, may you rest in peace.. ii.

(4) 摘要 1978 年，中國政府開始進行「改革開放」政策；至今，明顯地中國之政經影響力已經遍布世界各地，一般稱為「中國崛起」。因此，泰國作為鄰國，也把中國當作最重要的貿易對象，其對泰國政治也是影響甚鉅。然而，由於先前研究的不足，泰國社會對於「中國」，一般缺乏認識。因此，本研究將探討自 1975 年 7 月後，中國與泰國官方關係建立，至今約 40 年間，對於中國經濟的研究機構、研究者以及整理其他相關研究途徑，探討泰國如何研究中國。本研究將使用兩部分之質性研究，包括文獻分析與深入訪談。筆者由訪問代表性學者和蒐集他們之前的研究資料，得以整理出影響泰國中國研究者從事中國觀之因素。此外，本文也探討他們對於後續中國研究者的影響，將有助於本文闡述中國研究在泰國的可能前景。本研究成果將提供後續研究者有關「中國學知識社群」（Communities of China-studies, Sinology）研究途徑的生動知識；本文也提供詳盡資料，為外國學者說明值得注意的泰國學者和以前泰國學界重要之中國研究成果。本文提供了瞭解泰國社會文化之途徑，並期待未來能更多促進外國學者與泰國學者之合作。. 中文關鍵詞：中國研究、泰國、中國經濟、中泰關係. iii.

(5) ABSTRACT China government started “reform and open policy”, and their economic growth had continually begun. It is obviously that the influence of China has spread all over the world, also calles “the rise of China” . Currently, China is the most important trading country for Thailand. However, there is an insufficient accurate understanding of the Chinese economy among the Thai society. Due to the inadequacy of prior study, this research will explore China Studies in Thailand after official relations were establishedon July 1, 1975. It will focus on the studies of China’s economy as well as its performance and characteristic. The main question for the research is to explore what institutes, researchers and their agendas in Thailand. In order to contribute the study, the qualitative data collection technique will be used to conduct the study is divided into two parts, which are the document research and the in-depth interview. The involvement of information of scholars and prior studies will identify China Studies’ performance in Thailand. In addition, the data from existing works will provide the findings of the characteristic and effects of China Studies Communities in Thailand, led to limitations. Furthermore, investigating their effects will contribute to the possible prospect. The accomplishment of this research offers academics, students, and people who are interested in China Studies a vivid knowledge of the research field, it also provides thorough information gathered from noteworthy scholars and previous research in Thailand. Moreover, it will generate an understanding regarding Chinese Economic Studies in Thailand for foreign scholars, offering a ladder to cooperate in the future.. English keywords: China Studies, Chinese Economics, Thai-Chinese Relations. iv.

(6) TABLE OF CONTENTS. 碩士學位論文通過簽表..................................................................................................... i ACKNOWLEDGEMENT………………………..…………………………………….ii 中文摘要…………………………………………..……………………………...…...... iii ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………..……………iv CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION………………………………………………..........1 1.1 RESEARCH MOTIVATION…………………………………………….………....1 1.2 RESEARCH BACKGROUND…………………………….…………………….....4 1.2.1 Thai-Chinese Relations Overview…………………………………………........4 1.2.2 China Studies in Thailand Overview……………………………………….….14 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTION AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE…………………….……......23 1.4 STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY……………………………………………….…........23 CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY…………….25 2.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES…………………………………………..……...……25 2.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY…………………………………………………….25 2.2.1 Document Research…………………………………………...………….……25 2.2.2 In-Depth Interview……………………………………...……………….….….26 CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW………………………………………………...27 3.1 INTRODUCTION………………………………..……….….…………….……...27 3.2 CHINESE ECONOMIC STUDIES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES……...…...…….27 3.2.1 Chinese Economic Studies in Europe……………………………….……..…..28 3.2.2 Chinese Economic Studies in Japan……………………………………..……..29 3.2.3 Chinese Economic Studies in the United States……..……………….…….….32 3.2.4 Critique……..…………………………………………………….………….…33 3.3 CHINESE ECONOMIC STUDIES IN THAILAND...………………………….....34 3.3.1 Previous Research…………………………………….…………..…………....34 3.3.2 Relevant Publication………………...…………………………………….........37.

(7) 3.4 GAPS IN RESEARCH………………………………...…………….……….……40 CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION……………………………………….41 4.1 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………….….…….….41 4.2 EMERGING PHASES……………………………………………………...…...…41 4.2.1 The Effect of Thai-Chinese Political Issues……………………………...……....41 4.2.2 Resource Deficiency………………………………………..……………….....43 4.3 THE ATTEMPT OF MAJOR INSTITUTES………………………………………....45 4.3.1 Chulalongkorn University (CU)………………………………………….….....45 4.3.2 Thammasat University (TU)…………………………………………………...49 4.3.3 Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM)……………………………….…..54 4.3.4 Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Center (TCRC)……………………….…......55 4.4 MAJOR RESEARCH THEMES OF CHINESE ECONOMY IN THAILAND ........57 4.5 DISCUSSION……………………………………..…………………………….…60 4.5.1 The Limitations of Chinese Economic Studies in Thailand…………………....60 CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS………………………………………………………………..62 5.1 ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON…………………….……………...……….….62 5.2THE CHINA STUDIES IN THAI CULTURE……………...……………….………...66 5.2.1 Sinology in Thailand………………………………………….………….……...67 5.2.2 Chinese Communism Studies in Thailand………………………………….…...69 5.2.3 Contemporary China Studies in Thailand…………………………..……….…69 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION……………………………………………………….71 6.1 CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………..…...71 6.2 THE PROSPECT OF CHINESE ECONOMIC STUDIES IN THAILAND…….....71 6.2.1 Establishing the Institute Specialized in China………………………………...71 6.2.2 Improve the Standard of Chinese Language Studies……………………….….72 6.2.3 Promoting Thai-Chinese Student Exchange……………………………….…....72 6.2.4 Building the Stability of Thai Researcher………………………………….…...73 6.3 LIMITATIONS……………………………………………………………….….73.

(8) REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………….74 APPENDICES………………………………………………………………………..80 APPENDIX I: THE SELECTIVE CHINESE STUDIES INSTITUTES…………...…80 APPENDIX II: INTERVIEW QUESTION GUIDES…………………………….…...82 APPENDIX III: INTERVIEWEES SAMPLING……………………………..……….84 APPENDIX IV: INTERVIEWEES RECORD SAMPLING………………………….86.

(9) CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 RESEARCH MOTIVATION In the present day, it is obvious that the influence of China has spread all over the world, and also called “the rise of China”. Generally speaking China’s economic growth began after the Cultural Revolution which is lead by Mao Zedong. Then Deng Xiaoping improved the Chinese economic with its citizens’ standard of living, leading to productivity growth under the agricultural and structural transformation in 1978. It shall be felt more miracle if we consider with that China as the most populous country in the world, more than 1.3 billion people.1 Between 1979 and 1983, five major reforms were pursued: agricultural reform, opening up the economy, fiscal decentralization, the reform of state-owned enterprises, and support for commune-brigade enterprises.2 Since then, the economy of China has been continuously developing, with an annual average gross domestic product (GDP) growth of approximately 10%. Chinese economy is often described by analysts as one of the greatest economic success stories (Wayne M. Morrison, 2014). Due to the rapid growth of its economy, Chinese commerce has expanded throughout the world, bringing its people, culture, language, and reputation to the international stage. “China” is not only known as an “entity”, but also a “discourse”. In most situations, “country name (in this case “China”)” is taken to refer to a sovereign nationstate3, which means a country is completely and independently controlled by her own government. Although cross-border policy is the most significant part to international cooperation, examples include, trade, military, security and development. Hence, in order to strengthen and maintain the relations between nations, we people still know others by. 1. Editor. Ten Countries with the Highest Population in the World. Available at: http:// www.internetworldstats.com/stats8.htm (Accessed: 6 October 2014). 2. Qian, Y. (2000) ‘The Process of China’s Market Transition (1978-1998): The Evolutionary, Historical, and Comparative Perspectives’, Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics (JITE) / Zeitschrift für die gesamte Staatswissenschaft. 3. Editor. Political Geography Now: How Many Countries Are There in the World in 2015?. Available at: http://www.polgeonow.com/2011/04/how-many-countries-are-there-in-world.html (Accessed: 15 September 2014). 1.

(10) their “nation”, which is one of the keys is to learn in depth about each other. Consequently, The “China Studies” in this essay we mention area studies, indigenous studies, Chinese studies and the contemporary China studies.4 According to the United States Library of Congress, the Country Studies Series represents a description and analysis of the historical setting and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and institutions of countries throughout the world.5 Not only foreign candidates are interested in this study field, but native citizens themselves are interested as well. In general, the purpose of area studies (country studies) and indigenous studies are similar, that is to educate students to distinctly understand the nations studies as a whole through in-class lectures, group work and tutorials, seminars, and related activities. Some institutes may provide language training courses, as well. The area studies is the background story leads to China studies in Thailand. According to Thai perspective, Thai people started to know about China from Chinese oversea people that immigrated to Thailand. At that time, Chinese was considered to be new comer to Thai, brought curiousness about their hometown to Thai people. After that, the enthusiasm to obtain knowledge about Chinese people, culture, language and China as a country was moderately developed to be a new course of study. Besides Thailand, there are other particular countries has conducted China studies for instance the United States, Japan, European countries and those in Southeast Asia region like Vietnam. The China studies in the U.S., Japan and Europe are regarded as the roles models for this dissertation since they represent the powerful and worldwide nations. Hence, the further detail of Chinese economic studies in each particular country will be discussed afterward.. 4. China Studies mean the subjects of China country, politics and economy. While Chinese Studies cover literature, classics and sinology aspects. The paper commonly substitutes the term as China Studies, the others will be used by specific case. 5 Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. Country Studies. Available at: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/. cs/cshome.html (Accessed: 15 September 2014). 2.

(11) In order to obtain common information for the study field, observation was conducted on the curriculums of China Studies in institutes in several countries including Thailand. (University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, Mae Fah Luang University) China Studies is a subject that aims to promote students’ awareness of, and interest in China. The curriculum mostly focuses on all aspects of China including its political issues, economy, geography, national history, laws and regulations, society, language and culture.6 There is unclear written evidence of the exact beginning time of China Studies. The investigation found that there are different time periods in different countries. It may also depend on each specific point of study, such as the study of its domestic economy, politics, policy and culture. Moreover, another major factor which has influenced this study field are the relations between particular countries and China. The difficulty of Chinese language is also a barrier as scholars’ ability to search for sources of primary material, to conduct empirical studies and to gather information from local people in China is limited. Currently, China is the most important trading partner for Thailand. However, there is an insufficient accurate understanding of the Chinese economy among the Thai people. The important factor is the well social integration of Chinese overseas in Thailand. After the generations of Chinese overseas in Thailand passed by, the proximity between Thai and Chinese people had replaced curiosity to learn about China. Also, the policy of Thai government that obstructed most of the studies about China, caused by the difference among political ideals. In Thailand, the research study of China subject was absolutely less particularly before the official bilateral diplomacy had established in 1975. Nevertheless, after the establishment and the expansion of Chinese economy due to its reform, Thai people increasingly started to learn about China, especially an economic aspect.. 6 The. University of Nottingham. Contemporary Chinese. Available at: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ ugstudy/courses/contemporarychinesestudies/contemporarychinesestudies.aspx (Accessed: 15 September 2014). 3.

(12) Therefore, the study timeline is set to emphasis the period from 1975 to 2014 which is the most present time. This research will explore China Studies in Thailand after official relations were established on July 1, 1975, due to the inadequacy of prior research. It will focus on the studies of China’s economy, and include other relevant aspects. The accomplishment of this research offers academics, students, and people who are interested in China Studies a vivid knowledge of research, it also provides thorough information gathered from noteworthy scholars and previous research in Thailand. Moreover, it will generate an understanding regarding Chinese Economic Studies in Thailand for foreign scholars, offering a ladder to cooperate in the future.. 1.2 RESEARCH BACKGROUND 1.2.1 Thai-Chinese Relations Overview This section will introduce the Thai-Chinese relationship briefly. In accordance with historical evidence, relations between Thailand and China began unofficially more than 2,200 years ago. At that time, Thailand had not yet been established as the Sukhothai Kingdom (素可泰王國, the first Kingdom of Thailand founded in 1219, under the King Khunsri Intratit7). It was the Suvarnabhumi Kingdom, meaning the Golden peninsula, known as Siam or Xianluo (暹羅) in Chinese that had relations with China during Han and Tang dynasty.8 A Chinese junk sailing map from Hainan to Southeast Asia from the Han dynasty shows that, Siam was one of the destinations. In addition, Chinese porcelain ware found in Thailand have been identified as produced in the Tang dynasty.9 Also, the book, Southeast Asia: a Historical Encyclopedia, from. Archives of Bangkok. การตัง้ เมืองสุโขทัยเป็ นราชธานี (The Establishment of Sukothai). Available at: http://haab.catholic.or.th/history/history002/sukhothai5/sukhothai5.html (Accessed: 6 October 2014). 7 Historical. ั พันธ์ไทย-จีน ยาวนานกว่า 2,200 ปี (ThaiManager Online. (2012). เอกสารจีนชี้ ประวัตศ ิ าสตร์สม Chinese almost 2,200 years Relations). Manager Online. Available at: http://www.manager.co.th/China/ ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9550000109485 (Accessed: 12 October 2014). 8 ASTV. Kanokpongchai, S. (2007). วิถจ ี น ี -ไทย ในสังคมสยาม (The Chinese-Thai Ways of Life in Siamese Society). (1st edn.). Bangkok: Matichon Publishing House. 9. 4.

(13) Angkor Wat to East Timor indicated that the Chinese traded with Funan, which later became a part of Thailand and held the most important commerce during the Tang Dynasty.10 After the establishment of Sukhothai Kingdom to Ayutthaya11 and Thonburi12, Siamese royal court had always emphasized on the importance of China. Meanwhile, Chinese were continued to immigrate to Siam, making numbers of Chinese overseas steady increased. The Chinese overseas could find their ways to live their lives stably in Siam, together with conserving Chinese culture in every aspect. In the 16th to 17th century, Chinese government declared the prohibition of Chinese immigration started in 1645, but many people still attempted to move out. Most of the Chinese migrants at that time were from Fujian and Guangdong especially Hokkienese, Cantonese and Chaozhou people. Bangplasoi city or Chonburi province today was the center for Chaozhou migrants, while Songkla was the center for Hokkienese, and Cantonese was spread in Ayutthaya and other seaports along the gulf of Thailand.13 However, regarding to the record in Yaowarat China Town Heritage Center of Thailand, the emergence of Chinese overseas began when Chinese traders traveled to Thailand by junk, and settled down in many parts of the country including Bangkok where the China Town located. After the King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great (as known as Rama I, 拉瑪一世) relocated the capital city to Rattanakosin in 1782, the Chinese overseas’ residences were also relocated to Wat Sam Pluem and Wat Sampheng area, where later became the biggest trading center in Bangkok. During the periods of King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok to King Nangklao (Rama III, 拉瑪三世), Chinese overseas in Sampheng grew rapidly and became the Chinese Community, which led to. 10. Ooi, K. G. (2004). Southeast Asia: A Historical Encyclopedia, from Angkor Wat to East Timor. Edited by Keat Ooi Ooi. Santa Barbara. 11 Known as. 大城王國 in Chinese, established in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I, and collapsed in 1767.. 12. Known as 吞武里王朝 in Chinese, established in 1767 by King Taksin, until 1782, then was replaced by Rattanakosin or Bangkok today. 13. Songprasert, P. (2002). The Overseas Chinese. (1st edn.). Bangkok: Tipping Point Press.. 5.

(14) the increase of Thai-Chinese trade where Chinese immigrants and labours were involved in the employment. At that time, most of the Chinese settled down in Sampheng area first, then moved to other places around Bangkok and Thailand. In 1782 King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok established the new capital as Rattanakosin which later changed to Bangkok. The government needed the great number of labours to undertake the country revival project including construction, canal digging and junk trade with China. Thus, the government had to recruit Chinese to work for the project, generated income in the area. It was known that, Chinese are endurable, diligent and excellent in trade, Thai government imposed many sets of attractive privilege for them to work in Thailand. As a result, Chinese overseas were given lots of opportunities, besides being labors, some of them became skilled technicians, traders, farmers, gardeners, and eventually the millionaires today. Before World War II, many Chinese in Thailand were still Chinese citizens who hoped to return to their homeland. That goal changed for many overseas Chinese after the 1949 takeover by the communists. Also, the Chinese seem increasingly comfortable with their condition in Thailand. Nevertheless, relations between China and Thailand have only officially existed for 39 years, since Mom Rajawongse Kukrit Pramoj, the thirteenth Prime Minister of Thailand visited China on July 1, 1975. That was the first time diplomacy between China and Thailand was established. The treaty was signed by M.R. Kukrit Pramoj and Zhou Enlai (周恩來), the first Premier of the People’s Republic of China, after the efforts of the both governments resolved differences of political ideology. Subsequently, Chai Ze Min (柴澤民) became the first Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, and M.R. Kasem-Samosorn Kasemsri was the first Ambassador of Thailand to China. The establishment of Thai-Chinese relations resulted in cooperations of politics, military, education, culture and economy. However, there were external factors influenced the relations of Thailand and China, particularly the cold war era. We will be discussed as follows. The Deteriorated Relations Periods A cordial relationship between Thailand and China began in the pre-historic period, but then turned into an adversarial relationship during the Cold War. After World. 6.

(15) War II, Thailand and China still maintained commercial connections, until a contrary change in the beginning of the Korean War period. Thailand was one of the United Nations participant countries. Thus, Thailand had to follow the UN agreement, and discontinued all trades with (mainland) China. Moreover, Thailand also attended Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954, with the purpose to oppose and prevent the intervention of Communism in Southeast Asia.14 The headquarters of SEATO was in Bangkok, and a Thai representative, Pote Sarasin15 was once the secretary of the organization during 1957-1964. However, the SEATO was disbanded in June 1977, after the agreement of the allies. Another major incident which affected the relations of Thailand and China during Cold War occurred during the period of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram16 (known as Luang Pibulsongkram), the third Prime Minister of Thailand. Pibulsongkram possessed strong nationalistic and chauvinistic ideals. This can be seen from his efforts in several accomplishments. For instance, the country’s name is to be changed from Siam to Thailand on June 24, 1939, in order to emphasize the “Thai race”. Furthermore, he also revised the Thai national anthem on December 10 of the same year.17 There were some changes in culture customs, such as the command to use the same greeting word of “Sawasdee”, and abolished some outdated culture.18 The extreme nationalism of Pibulsongkram led to the occurrence of an anti-Chinese riot. However, there is a lack of information about the incident. It is said that the cause of incident recounted was. 14 Thaipakdee,. M. (2012). Thailand and ASEAN Community: Opportunity and Risk. Available at: http:// romphruekj.krirk.ac.th/books/2555/3/6.pdf (Accessed: 12 October 2014). 15 A significant. diplomat and politician, was a Thai ambassador to the United States, a foreign minister and the Prime Minister during a military coup in 1957. 16. formerly Plaek Khittasanha, commonly known among Thai people as a military dictator, was appointed as a Prime Minister twice in 1938-1944 and 1948-1957. Suvarnthong, C. (2012). ราลึก 78 ปี แรกมีเพลงชาติไทย (In the 78th Year Memorial of Thai Anthem). Bangkok News. Available at: http://www.bangkokbiznews.com/home/detail/life-style/lifestyle/20120827/ 467625/ราลึก-78-ปี -แรกมีเพลงชาติไทย.html> (Accessed: 4 November 2014). 17. 18. Editor. The Prime Minister. Available at: http://www.cabinet.thaigov.go.th/eng/pm_03.htm (Accessed: 4 November 2014). 7.

(16) false, the fact is that the government attempted to discharge Chinese people from Thailand, and followed through with actions to discourage them from staying in Thailand such as during the Yaowarat Incident.19 The Yaowarat Incident occurred on September 21, 1945. By the end of World War II, Chinese were gladly celebrated at as the victorious allies, as were overseas Chinese in Thailand. After Japan’s declaration of surrender, overseas Chinese celebrated throughout Bangkok, especially in Yaowarat in Chinatown. A tricycle rider rode along Yaowarat street with a Chinese national flag hanging on the tricycle, making joyful overseas Chinese run after the tricycle and caused an intense disturbance. The rider removed the flag and threw it, making them seriously angry, leading to the beginning of insurgence. From the September 21st until 30th, the police and government later took charge of the incident, and the involvement of Chinese associated, caused approximately 140 deaths of overseas Chinese, more than 400 Chinese shops and residences were destroyed and at least 1,000 Chinese were arrested. Almost 30 years later, when Sanya Dharmasakti20 was the Prime Minister of Thailand, another riot involving Bangkok’s Chinese commoners happened again on July 3, 1974, known as the Plabplachai Incident. The incident occurred due to the political movement of the Chinese working class, which resisted to Thai political ideology (Aeksittipong Sittitape, 2013). On July 3, 1974, Poon Lamlueprasert (Lu Fu), a ChineseThai taxi driver refused to move his car from the prohibited parking area after being ordered to do so by policemen. Lamlueprasert shouted at the scene that the police were “harming a citizen”, causing the surrounding people to join in to oppose the policemen. It led to intensive violence between police and citizens, particularly among the overseas Chinese working class. The Plabplachai Incident continued until July 6th, led to almost 20 deaths, approximately 120 injured and great damage to the Plabplachai police station. 19 Liuxing. (2009). โฉมหน ้าประวัตศ ิ าสตร์ทแ ี่ ท ้จริง เบือ ้ งหลังเหตุการณ์นองเลือดทีเ่ ยาวราช. (The Actual History of Yaowarat Incident), Thai Chinese Blog, 6 March. Available at: http://www.thaichinese.net/ thaichineseblog/yaowaraj-incident/ (Accessed: 21 October 2014). 20 the. 12th Prime Minister, was a professor and Dean of Faculty of Law at Thammasat University, a jurist of Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court Judge.. 8.

(17) (Prachachart Newspaper, 1974).21 Due to the written evidence founded, even though the conflict among Thai and Chinese people had occurred twice, but it did not influence the macro relations of the both. The cooperations of Thailand and China had still remained. Looking back through the past, Thai-Chinese relations has never stopped interacting. There were various factors cause Chinese immigration to Thailand, some were for temporarily work while some were for permanently settle. The fact that Chinese people have slightly been parts of Thai is accepted by all. However, the differences among two natives still remain and needed to be adjusted. Including language, living culture, proximity and so forth. Nevertheless, the improvement was not easy to be adjusted while some uncontrollable incidents continued to happen. The attempt to process China studies among Thai people was quietly interested by people who were intimate to Chinese. That can be called as the beginning of China Studies in Thailand.. Economic Relations During the reign of King Buddha Lertla Napalai or Rama II (拉瑪二世), Bangkok was the significant center of junk building, making Chinese and Thai junk trade reached the most prosperous point, generated intensive amount of revenue to Thailand. Moreover, the British ambassador to Thailand, Dr. John Crawford recorded that, Thai cargo fleet had load 24,562 tons of capacity annually, used 4,912 Chinese labours, brought approximately 7,000 Chinese migrants to Thailand every year, and formed a social group of Chinese community in the latter. After that, in the period of King Nang Klao (Rama III or 拉瑪三世), the Great Britain assigned Captain Henry Barney to Bangkok in order to sign trade treaty in 1825. As a result, it allowed private Chinese concessioners to operate export business, making Chinese-Thai junk trade the significant source of revenue in early Rattanakosin period. The main export goods at. 21 Matichon Editor. (1974). เหตุการณ์จราจลทีพ ่ ลับพลาไชย กรกฏาคม พ.ศ. 2517 (Plabplachai Incident).. Matichon News. Available at: http://mic.matichon.co.th/images/mic_articles20140704.pdf (Accessed: 2 November 2014).. 9.

(18) that time were forest products, agricultural products and junks built in Thailand with high quality of wood. In a speech to the National Legislative Assembly on September 6, 1973. Thanom22 briefly outlined his government’s policy on trade with the PRC. He emphasized that if his administration was convinced trading with Beijing posed no security dangers to Thailand, then free trade might be permitted. But at this point it was inappropriate to trade freely with a country with which Thailand had no diplomatic relations. (Shee Poon Kim, p.318) After the official establishment of diplomacy in 1975 and the end of Cold War in 1991, the relationship between Thailand and China has persisted to the present day. The economic cooperation in terms of trading and investment has been continuously increasing every year.23 Formerly, Thai-Chinese commerce in 1974 valued only 3.4 million US dollars. It has since risen to 280 million US dollars in 1980, 2.6 billion US dollars in 199824, and 57.79 billion US dollars in 2011.25 Between this bilateral trade, Thailand plays a trade deficit role, and China is the significant export target of Thailand, especially for agricultural products. The export products in the raw material category expected to increase are products such as rubber, sugar and plastic (Than Settakit, 2013). According to the Thailand Ministry of Commerce, the most recent statistic (January-September 2014) indicated that China is listed as the first trading market to Thailand, followed by Japan and the United States. In addition, China ranked as the top import country and export destination of Thailand.. 22. Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, the 10th Prime Minister of Thailand, was a Royal Thai Army Commander, a Defence Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister. 23. Chulalongkorn University. Chinese Studies Center, Institute of Asian Studies. Available at: http:// www.csc.ias.chula.ac.th/ncscth/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5 (Accessed: 6 November 2014). S. (2005). ‘ความสัมพันธ์ทางเศรษฐกิจไทย-จีน: ปั จจุบน ั และอนาคต’, The Seminar of 30 Years Sino-Thai Relationships, 600 Years Sam Po Kong / Zheng He & Ayutthaya and Southeast Asia. 25 November 2005. 24 Chirathivat,. 25. Chen, Y. (2012). ‘Sino-Thailand Trade and Economic Relations Analysis and Prospect’, First ThaiChinese Strategic Research Seminar. 24 October 2012.. 10.

(19) On December 20, 1973, Deputy Foreign Minister Chartichai26 accepted Beijing’s invitation and flew to the PRC to hold talks with the Chinese government. This trip was politically significant since it was the first time in more than two decades that a highranking Thai delegate officially visited the PRC; it also marked the beginning of official trading between the two countries. (Shee Poon Kim, p.319) Between Thailand and China, there are several significant economic treaties and agreements, which are part of the success of bilateral economic cooperations. The first agreement is the protocol of import and export between the Kingdom of Thailand and People’s Republic of China in 1979. It was signed at Bangkok on November 9, 1979 by Auppadisr Pajareeyangkul27, Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs and Huang Huang, Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs.28 On the other side, in the private sectors, Thailand and China have created accords through agreements and memorandums of understanding. For instance, on August 27, 1993, there was an agreement between three Thai private sectors: the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand; the Federation of Thai Industries and; the Thai Bankers’ Association, which cooperated with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.29 The economic cooperations between Thailand and China had abruptly raised in 2000, after China officially entered the 143rd member of World Trade Organization (WTO) on December 11, 2001. Afterwards, Chinese economic role became even more important in the world and Asia market. China progressed to be the top forth export country, becoming one of the most significant producer in various types of product. (Department of Trade Negotiation, 2009) Furthermore, China is a huge market with a. 26. Chartichai Choonhavan, the 17th Prime Minister of Thailand, was a Royal Thai Army officer, diplomat and politician. He also the founder of two political parties which are the Thai Nation Party and the National Development Party. 27. was appointed the Foreign Affairs Minister during October 22, 1976 to February 11, 1980, and also served as a Thai ambassador to Switzerland in 1972. 28. Huang, H. and Pajareeyangkul, A. (1979). The Protocol of Import and Export between the Kingdom of Thailand and People’s Republic of China, 1979. Department of Trade Negotiations. (2012). ข ้อมูลการค ้าไทย-จีน (The Information of Thai-Chinese Trade). Available at: http://www.thaifta.com/trade/china/cn_trade.pdf (Accessed: 8 November 2014). 29. 11.

(20) low cost of investment that is capable to support most of the products, services and enterprises. (Suttiphan Chirathivat, 2001) The benefit to Thailand is the Thai-Chinese economic collaborations has developed into the better way for instance tariff reduction, international trade increase, economic contract, treaty and memorandum. However, after Chinese WTO membership, there was a question about Thai and Chinese economic cooperation. “Why is Trade Agreement between Thailand and China on agricultural products not done under the framework of WTO”. The answer is that when China applied for a WTO membership at bilateral level, China just reduced the tariff but not totally abolish the tariff. Nonetheless, due to a low rate employee, the WTO membership of China also brought a higher competitive in labor-incentive product lines to Southeast Asia countries including Thailand.30. Political Relations and Military Cooperation Besides an economic relations, Thai and Chinese governments also build the political and military cooperations. Since M.R. Kukrit Pramoj and Zhou Enlai signed the Thai-Chinese diplomacy treaty in 1975, gratifying relations have developed rapidly to the present day. China is a destination that every Thai Prime Minister has visited primarily after serving as the Prime Minister. The policy to strengthen and maintain Thai-Chinese relations is one of the most important considerations of all cabinets. Even though Thailand and China have different political ideologies, both adhere to avoid any intervention in their domestic political issues.31 Moreover, the actions and gestures of the Thai royal family have also affirmed the significance of Thai-Chinese relations. His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Rama ninth of Chakri dynasty (拉瑪九世), visited China on June 5, 1963 for the first time.32 The purpose was to contribute to the. Chirathivat, S. (2001). บทบาทของจีนหลังจากเข ้า WTO (The Chinese Role after Became WTO Member). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University. 30. ่ ั จจุบน K. (2010). ไทย-จีน: พัฒนาความสัมพันธ์ฉันมิตรจากอดีตสูป ั และทิศทางในอนาคต (Thailand-China: the Friendly Relations Development from the Past to Present and Future Tendency). 31 Theeravit,. 32 The. Golden Jubilee Network Editor. Activities of H.M.K. Bhumibol Adulyadej. Available at: http:// kanchanapisek.or.th/activities/index.th.html#foreign (Accessed: 14 November 2014).. 12.

(21) friendly relations between Thailand and China. Furthermore, the visits of other Thai royal family members, particularly Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (詩琳通公主), give evidence to the attempt to maintain good relations. At all times, she not only all parts of China, but also makes an effort to learn Chinese language and culture. By all means, her attempt impacts on Thai-Chinese relations, and the expansion of China studies in Thailand. On the other hand, the military cooperation between Thailand and China has also gradually evolved since 1975. These developments came about largely due to the Cambodian conflict, wherein both Bangkok and Beijing recognized their mutual interest in resisting the expanding Vietnamese influence in Indochina. (Gill, R. Bates., 1991) During the Vietnam war, China transferred some weapons through Thailand, and the Thai military also offered support to the Chinese army. After that, Thai-Chinese military relations rapidly strengthened, and there were martial leaders’ meetings on both sides. Especially, in the period between the late 1980’s to early 1990’s, Thai and Chinese high ranking officials met several times.33 In addition, China provided weapon support to the Thai army such as tanks, cannons, and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG). Besides being a supplier, China also sells weapons to Thailand at a fair price, for example T-69II cannons and anti-aircraft guns. The above information shows that, Thai people emphasis on the importance of China and the attempt to strengthen Thai-Chinese relations. It is obvious that, the both countries has consecutively building overall relationship especially economic and political essentials. The economic relations of Thailand and China has begun under trading between two sides of merchant. Then it has become wider and more official after government happened to be involved. Thai government tended to maintain economic relations with China even though Thailand plays a trade deficit role. On the one hand, political relations are not less important than economics. It is obvious that, every level of Thai population sees an importance to strengthen Chinese connection. This can be distinctively seen by each leader of Thailand. The visit to China is ranked to 33. Gill, B. R. (1991). China Looks to Thailand: Exporting Arms, Exporting Influence. Asian Survey, 31(6), pp. 526–539.. 13.

(22) be the top country once becoming the leader. Together with government side, the Royal Family also stresses on Thai-Chinese relations, which related to the core of relationship building as well.. 1.2.2 China Studies in Thailand Overview With China’s rapid change and growing importance in the international arena, scholars from around the world have increasingly focused on studying China’s economy. (Penelope B. Prime, 2006) Thailand’s neighbouring country in Southeast Asia region have also begun to study the same topic especially for Vietnam. In recent years the Institute’s work on China has focused on political and ideological matters, but it is planning to expand its research focus to include PRC foreign policy, economic reform, trade and investment and other matters, as well as initiating some work on Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is obvious that, not only western scholars see the importance of Chinese economy, but the Southeast Asian including Thai scholars, as well. Thailand and China have enjoyed long and strong relations, which is apparent by the accomplishments of cooperative efforts among both countries as previously illustrated. The proportion of overseas Chinese (Hua-Qiao), which makes up 14% of the Thai population, as well as other innumerable and undefined reasons.34 In accordance with the the Overseas Community Affairs Council statistics, Thailand has the second largest overseas Chinese population after Indonesia.35 However, if we consider Chinese in terms of percentage in regards to the whole Thai population, Thailand has the largest percentage of overseas Chinese in the world. The majority of the ethnic Chinese population in Thailand traces their ancestry to Southern China. They can be grouped by dialect and domicile by birth as: the Hokkiens from Southern Hokkien Province; the Teochews from Northeastern Guangdong Province; the Hakkas from Northern 34. From Thai perspective, there are no clarification between Mainlander and Taiwanese, the Chinese Overseas are regarded as Chinese immigrants which is ‘華人’ in Chinese language. But some of them later being divided into groups due to their homelands by Chinese associations in Thailand. 35. Overseas Community Affairs Council. (2014). Overseas Chinese Population by Country. Available at: http://www.ocac.gov.tw/OCAC/File/Attach/1168/File_1861.pdf (Accessed: 15 September 2014).. 14.

(23) Guangdong Province; the Cantonese from Central Guangdong Province and; the Hainanese from Northeastern Hainan Province. Nevertheless, through the generations passed by, the overseas Chinese in Thailand today were assimilated into Thai society. According to the latest data of the Department of Provincial Administration, approximately 80% of Chinese population in Thailand had changed their Chinese surname to be Thai. The record shows that, there are 4,700 Chinese surname are being used in Thailand, and totally 773,117 overseas Chinese in Thailand are using Chinese surname today.36 Although Thailand has very high numbers of overseas Chinese assembly, but its relation with China studies is appeared to be indirection. In the past, China Studies in Thailand and Chinese language education did not flourish. Compared with other overseas Chinese populations, the people who are able to speak and understand Chinese are unquestionably less. One of the obstacles of Chinese language study in Thailand was due to the opposing political ideologies mentioned above. It is admit that, the China Studies in Thailand was root by Chinese overseas that immigrated to the country. The Thai curiosity of their language, culture and homeland led to the beginning to acquire knowledge about China. Thereby, an initiation of the study field in Thailand was begun by Chinese language training, along with family background. In other word, Thai people started to learn Chinese language, then slightly appended other essences such as its culture, country, politics and economy. Consequently, the study field in Thailand is mostly named as Chinese Studies as its background story. While the actual content is relevant to both literature and science divisions. The distinctive point of China Studies in Thailand that makes a difference from other countries is, most of Thai pioneer scholars were graduated from either Western countries or the United States, including China Studies division as well. Therefore, the perspective toward China of these scholars are slightly close to those from Western scholars. However, according to their living background, Thai scholars have been living 36 Baicloy, P. (2015). คนไทยเชือ ้ สายจีน ใช ้สกุลแซ่กว่า 700,000 คน (700,000 Chinese in Thailand use. Chinese Family Names). BEC Tero News.. 15.

(24) in Thailand which has many Chinese all over the country. The outcome of academic perspective combine with nature background is even more interesting than others. In contrast, it it more complicated, too.. Before the Establishment of Thai-Chinese Diplomacy (1975) First and foremost, the different political ideologies of Thailand and China are considered to be the major obstacle of China studies in Thailand. Previously, Thailand was ruled by an absolute monarchy, but was reformed to be a constitutional monarchy on June 24, 1932 (Parliament, 2007). A sense of respect and royalism toward the Monarchy has been thoroughly rooted among the Thai people. In contrast, China has been ruled by communism, which is generally regarded as the opposite of democracy. Hence, the Thai government decided not to institute China Studies in Thailand at that time. The principal reason was to protect the regime of the country, avoiding intervention from other regimes. However, the overseas Chinese made efforts to establish a Chinese school, and the first Chinese school in Thailand (Siam, at that time) was founded in 1782, during the reign of His Majesty King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok, Rama I (Manager, 2008). The first Chinese school encountered many obstacles, and eventually closed down. After that, there is no evidence proving the establishment of another Chinese school. At the beginning of the twentieth century, instruction of Chinese youth was essentially familial. Schools were few and received little notice from the government. As education became formalised, schools were added by the Chinese community, and by 1910 Chinese self-consciousness included increased emphasis on education. Those trends were worrisome to the government. (Curtis N. Thomson, p.405) During King Chulalongkorn (known as Rama V or 拉瑪五世), Thai government aimed to modernise the country to be Western style. The reform resulted in the system of tax collection which had been operated by Chinese was almost abandoned. Nevertheless, Chinese businesspeople managed to adjust their livings and turned to be the leaders in the new areas of trade. In the meantime, Chinese overseas started to group together and formed. 16.

(25) their community in the new pattern, such as dialect groups (Hokkiens, Teochews, Hakkas, Cantonese and Hainanese) and public charity groups. According to the state development, the Chinese community in Sampheng were benefited by several schemes. The first Chinese temple, Chinese-owned hospitals, Chinese banks, Chinese newspaper and Chinese schools were consecutively operated. It is afraid about “Nationalism” between Chinese and Thai. In 1908, Hua Eia School (華益) was founded by a Chinese revolutionary group of the Kuo Min Dang, under the leadership of Sun Yat Sen. The Hua Eia School was recognised as the first official Chinese school in Thailand. The school was located in Charoen Krung, formerly Soi Captain Bush, Bangkok. The objective of Hua Eia School was to train overseas Chinese in political ideals. The Hua Eia School was suddenly shut down shortly after its establishment, as most of the teachers were political officers from China, which led to trouble being abroad. During the period of His Majesty King Vajiravudh (known as Rama VI or 拉瑪六世) in 1910-1925, many Chinese schools were founded following the increase of Chinese associations in Siam. They were differentiated by each founder’s hometown in China. The Chinese schools in this period could be clarified as Hakka, Cantonese, Hokkien and Hainan. Each school provided lectures and cultural education in their own dialect.37 The Chinese schools later expanded to other cities in Thailand. However, according to government policies, they are no longer called huaxiao (華校, Chinese schools), but are known as minxiao (民校, people’s schools) or kongxiao (共校, public schools). These schools, according to one informant (a school teacher), follow the regular curriculum of Thai schools. The significant difference is that classes are conducted in both Chinese and Thai. (Chan Kwok Bun / Tong Chee Kiong, p.154) Even though several Chinese schools were opened in the reign under King Vajiravudh, however, it was the period that Chinese schools were restricted to the rules.. Manager Online. (2008). ไขปริศนา ‘หลุมดา’ ในการเรียนการสอนภาษาจีนในประเทศไทย (The Limitations of Chinese Language Studies in Thailand). Manager Online. Available at: http:// www.manager.co.th/China/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000127646&Page=2&TabID=3 (Accessed: 8 November 2014). 37 ASTV. 17.

(26) The government came up with the new law, enforced all Chinese schools to include Thai language and Thai history in their lessons. The curriculums led Chinese oversea students acquire knowledge of Thailand, and assimilated with Thai society. At that time, Chinese overseas decided to settle in Thailand, led to the establish of many Chinese schools as mentioned above in order to give their descendants the Chinese lessons involving language and culture. In 1921, Thai government passes the Private Schools Act and the Compulsory Education Act, as a result that each school had to adapt Thai language as the main language of instruction, as well as Chinese schools. One of the most important and successful Chinese schools is Pei Ing School (培英), located in Yaowarat. Pei Ing Schools was founded in 1920, during the period of King Vajiravudh, as will. The School was funded by the donations of Teochew traders, and it has made progress up from the start until the present. Many alumni of Pei Ing School later became economic leaders of Thailand. Afterwards, in the year 1938, during the Sino-Japan War, the Thai government which was in an alliance with Japan, took charge of shutting down almost 200 Chinese schools. The reason was because Chinese schools could be used as a place for Chinese to assemble, and the government had to eliminate the anti-Japanese movement. Subsequently, the overseas Chinese leaders requested to reopen the schools. The Thai government allowed them to operate only primary education, and permitted the usage of the Chinese language to teach to no more than 20%. Under the Pibulsongkram leadership, an actively nationalistic Prime Minister, several Chinese schools were closed, and the time permitted to teach Chinese language in existing schools was restricted. In addition, during the post Chinese Revolution in 1949, the Thai government continued to strictly control Chinese schools, intercepting the distribution of political regime. Roughly 145 Chinese schools remained after government shut down many of them. The Ministry of Education allowed only 5 hours of Chinese language training per day. All curricula and teachers were closely investigated, and none of the subjects provided the Chinese Communist Regime.38 K. (2005). จีนศึกษาในไทยและความร่วมมือไทย-จีนด ้านการศึกษา (The China Studies in Thailand and the Thai-Chinese Educational Cooperation). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University. 38 Theeravit,. 18.

(27) It is obvious that, before the official bilateral relations of Thailand and China were established, China studies and Chinese language studies in Thailand were troublesome and filled with obstacles. Notwithstanding, one of the most significant institutes that pushed forward China studies was the Faculty of Political Science of Chulalongkorn University (CU)39. In 1965, the Faculty first provided Chinese Communism knowledge under the subject of Politics and Governance of China and Japan, instructed by Khien Theeravit. After that, the Institute of Asian Studies (IAS) was unofficially set up in 1967 as a unit of the Faculty. In 1972, Dr. Kasem Suwannakul, Associate Professor Ampon Namart and Dr. Khien Theeravit established Chinese language training in Chulalongkorn University, which was the first one among the universities of Thailand. At that time, none of the university’s professors were courageous enough to provide Chinese language courses, unlike Japanese and other languages. Consequently, China studies and Chinese language studies in Thailand were gradually developed, especially after the establishment of Thai-Chinese bilateral relations.. Post 1975 - Present Previously, every research and study of China were challenged, some of the material resources are from prohibited documents. The National Security Council of Thailand considered the studies of China as somehow related to the Communist regime, which needed to be resisted. Most of the researches and works were published after the studies of Japan, in order to avoid being too distinct. The Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University was separated from the Faculty of Political Science on May 10, 1985.40 A few years later, the Faculty of Arts of CU established a Chinese language major. After that, other universities have respectively provided the same course, including government universities and private universities.. Chulalongkorn University, 朱拉隆功大學 or จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย in Thai is the first university in Thailand, established on March 26, 1917 under King Chulalongkorn or Rama V. 39. 40. Chulalongkorn University. Background - Institute of Asian Studies. Available at: http:// www.ias.chula.ac.th/ias/en/Background.php (Accessed: 14 November 2014).. 19.

(28) The Institute of Asian Studies had launched Chinese language studies seminar 4 times during 1986-1990. The purposes were to advocate Chinese language training in Thailand, to urge Thai people to study Chinese and properly manage systematic Chinese language study.41 The last time the seminar was held was on October 19, 1990. The IAS presented a research study of Chinese language training in primary education in Thailand, along with invitations to the administrators of Chinese language schools and teachers. Consequently, the rise of Chinese language study in Thailand progressed successively. The turning point of Chinese language study occurred during Anand Panyarachun’s term, the eighteenth Prime Minister of Thailand.42 Panyarachun developed the undergraduate study system, and provided more opportunities and independent education.43 The Panyarachun Government declared to remove restrictions on Chinese language study, and upgraded it to the same rank as Japanese, French, German languages and so forth on February 4, 1992. Moreover, every educational institution was permitted to teach Chinese language. In 1997, Chinese language was organised into a unit of the arts program at the high school level. The expansion of Chinese language study has continually followed the rise of the importance of China, especially in regards to its economy. In addition, the Ministry of Education has added Chinese to an required elective subject for university admission. In any case, the popularity of Chinese language study resulted in a rapid growth of Chinese language institutes, schools and tutorial classes. However, some of the them are commercial businesses, the curriculum, textbooks and teachers often lack in quality. Even though the improvement of education from the Panyarachun Government initiated the modification of Chinese language. 41 Theeravit,. K. (2005). จีนศึกษาของไทยในยามยาก (The China Studies in Deteriorated Period of. Thailand). 42. was the Prime Minister, politician, a Thai ambassador to the United Nation, the United States, Canada and Germany. He was also a President of several significant industries, held important posts in many academic institutions. He received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 1997. นายกรัฐมนตรีคนที่ 18 นายอานันท์ ปั นยารชุน (The 18th Prime Minister, Anand Panyarachun). Available at: http://www.thaigov.go.th/th/primeminister/item/78224-นายกรัฐมนตรีคนที-่ 18-นายอานันท์-ปั นยารชุน.html (Accessed: 8 November 2014). 43 Editor.. 20.

(29) study, it essentially benefitted only the language study aspect, not for other subjects related to China. Nowadays, there are no studies of China as a country included in the fundamental curriculum of Thai education. In Thailand, according to the high school curriculum, history, politics, economics and physical geography are the subjects consisted in Social Studies. However, the above four element subjects are separately divided into “faculties” in the Undergraduate level. Nonetheless, there are only a few Faculties of China Studies (or Chinese Studies) existing at the university level. Mostly China Studies are only parts of other faculties. For instance, it can be found in Faculty of Asian Studies, Faculty of International Studies, and as a part of Arts Program in Chinese Language. Consequently, the revision of Panyarachun Government on Chinese language studies have created a wide positive impact to several academic institutes in Thailand, which including the recent surge of China study programs provided in each particular institute. Thammasat University44 is the first university providing a bachelor’s degree in China Studies, which was started in 2009. The Faculty not only aims to provide education in Chinese language, but also includes its society, culture, politics and economy.45 It accepts 100 students annually for enrolment. Later, the private university also operate China Studies program or attach the subject in Chinese language program. The noticeable private universities are: Huachiew Chalermprakiet University46, the Faculty of Chinese Language and Culture, aims to educate proper Chinese language along with Chinese culture in order to be able to. 44 Thammasat University, 政法大學 or มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ in Thai was. found on June 27, 1934 by Professor Pridi Banomyong, and recognized as the second oldest university. It originally names as the University of Ethics and Politics. (2009) บทสัมภาษณ์คณบดี วิทยาลัยนานาชาติ ปรีด ี พนมยงค์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ (Interview of the Chairperson of Thammasat University. 45 Vessakosol, P.. 46 華僑崇聖大學 or มหาวิทยาลัยหัวเฉียวเฉลิมพระเกียรติ in Thai, originally was Huachiew Hospital. Midwifery School in 1941, established by the Poh Tek Sieng Tung Overseas Chinese Foundation. Then was elevated the status to “University” and received the new title on May 11, 1992.. 21.

(30) assimilate in Chinese business; Assumption University47, the curriculum was designed to tutor Chinese language specifically business aspect, together with the knowledge of Chinese business, economy and trade; Rangsit University48, the operation of International Chinese College of Rangsit University (泰國蘭實大學中國國際學院) aims to promote quality Chinese language and business knowledge. Its distinctive point is Rangsit University has cooperated with Yunnan University of Finance and Economics and Xiamen University in the student exchange program. Due to the expansion of Chinese studies, relevant Chinese Studies centers have been established. In accordance with the information found, Thammasat University (TU) was the first to set up the Center for Chinese Studies on April 1, 1984. It is a unit of the Institute of East Asian Studies. The Institute of East Asian Studies is part of three elements, the other two being Japanese Studies and Korean Studies. The main objectives are to promote the study and conduct research about China and; to support the education, seminars, conferences among scholars, institutes and organisations in the study field. Chulalongkorn University was officially established as the Chinese Studies Center on July 1, 1995, under the Institute of Asian Studies. The main purposes are to support education of China Studies for all levels; advocate understanding among Thai people to better understand China’s culture, history, politics, economy and foreign relations; to create an effective source of information about China and; to promote the academic cooperation of China Studies with international scholars. Before the establishment of the Chinese Studies Center, volunteers of the study field had produced a publication. ึ ษา, 中国研究季刊) in 1976, but called the Chinese Studies Magazine (วารสารจีนศก there were only 2 issues published. The document was sabotaged on October 6 in the. 易三倉大學 or มหาวิทยาลัยอัสสัมชัญ in Thai is the first international university in Thailand, found in 1969 by the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel. Its original name was Assumption Business Administration Collage, known as ABAC. 47. 蘭實大學 or known as มหาวิทยาลัยรังสิต was found by the Committee consist of educationists, academics and specialists from various government enterprises. The first student enrollment was in 1986 under the name of Rangsit Collage, then was catagorized as a university on July 31, 1990. 48. 22.

(31) same year as the consequence of Thai political conflict. The editor was Supat Tantasusan.49 Aside from the institutions under the universities mentioned above, there is another important institute. The Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Centre (TCRC), or Vijaichina, operated by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). Founded in 2012, the Center aims to promote the systematic research of China, and its missions are divided into 3 sections which are: ‘Research’, to conduct China research, various in several topics; ‘Platform’, to be the stage for Thai and Chinese scholars to exchange and cooperate and; ‘Knowledge’, to support every research study about China studies, alongside the dissemination to the public.50 The current Chief of the Center is Associate Professor Dr. Aksornsri Panishsarn.. 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTION AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE The questions of the research are amplified in order to act as a guidance of the study, which is related to the research objectives. The main question for the research is what are the Chinese Economic Studies like in Thailand? The information from the prior scholars and works will provide the findings of the distinctive points and effects of China Studies in Thailand, which led to its limitations. Furthermore, investigating their performances will contribute to the possible prospect of China Studies in Thailand.. 1.4 STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY The research study consists of five main chapters as follows: Chapter 1, Introduction – provides the background of the research study which started from a wider aspect to a narrow viewpoint. The end of the chapter is the structure of the study.. 49 Chulalongkorn. University. Background - Institute of Asian Studies. Available at: http:// www.ias.chula.ac.th/ias/en/Background.php (Accessed: 14 November 2014). (2012). เราคือใคร | ศูนย์วจ ิ ัยยุทธศาสตร์ไทย-จีน (The Background of Vijaichina). Available at: http://www.vijaichina.com/aboutUs/whoAreWe (Accessed: 21 November 2014). 50 Vihaichaina.. 23.

(32) Chapter 2, Research Objectives and Methodology – indicate the research objectives that are responded to its questions. Specifies the methodologies being used to compose the research. Chapter 3, Literature Review – analyzes the existing researches that are relevant to the study topic in order to provide prior comprehension in the study scope. The gaps in the independent research are identified. Chapter 4, Findings and Discussion – presents the result of findings after the research was conducted into three themes including suggestions the selective universities and institutes that impact the study field, together with the result discussion. Chapter 5, Analysis – presents the analysis part due to the comparison of Chinese economic studies in Thailand and other significant countries, indicates the three mainstreams of China Studies in Thai culture. Chapter 6, Conclusion – summarises the study and findings of the research. The possible strategies to promote China Studies in Thailand will be discussed. Then indicates the limitation of the research.. 24.

(33) CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY 2.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The main purpose of this research is to investigate the aspect of Chinese economic studies in Thailand, and it contains the specific objectives as follows: • to investigate the prior academic works and relevant institutes on Chinese economic studies to have a better understanding of the Chinese economic studies in Thailand • to investigate limitations of Chinese economic studies in Thailand for further development of field of study, and • to increase awareness of Chinese economic studies and discuss its importance, along with the impact of China’s economy on Thailand.. 2.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This chapter presents the research methodology used to collect data. In this study, the qualitative data collection technique is divided into two parts:. documentary. research and in-depth interview. The research methodology is unbiased, and capable of providing reliable data, which can meet the research questions as well as the objectives.. 2.2.1 Documentary research Document research is a method of study using documents to support arguments and perspectives of an academic work. In the study, two types of documents will be used, including primary and secondary documents. Useful and relevant prior works in Chinese economic studies in Thailand investigated by certain institutes, both public and private sectors, are mostly regarded as the primary data. The secondary data is from online databases, which are also sources for data collection, including the official websites providing relevant news, articles, and information. However, the examination of primary data is of the most importance in order to have a better understanding.. 25.

(34) 2.2.2 In-Depth Interview The in-depth interview is a method to collect data, which is important to have a deeper and valid understanding of the subject. To obtain important data for the analysis, the primary data will be gathered by conducting the in-depth interview with significant scholars of Chinese economic studies, as mentioned earlier. The distinctiveness of the indepth interview helps to collect valid and reliable data. Moreover, it is a procedure to obtain comprehensive data directly from interviewees’ experiences, thoughts and perspectives. The interview questions prepared involve guidelines and checklists for discussion topics that will be addressed during the interview. Consequently, the questions listed beforehand are designed to help the interviewees to answer the main research questions. Lastly, open-ended questions will also be used in order to gain wider and clearer data for further analysis.. 26.