Thai Social Science Journal

Moral nationalism and the politics of memory: The construction of ‘enemy’ images in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute.

2026-01-06T08:03:45+07:00

This article examines the Thai–Cambodian border dispute as a socio-political phenomenon through the analytical lenses of moral nationalism and the politics of memory. It argues that the dispute cannot be understood solely in terms of territorial sovereignty or international law, but must also be seen as a process through which moral meanings are produced and circulated. Narratives of nationhood, dignity, and history are mobilized to frame the border dispute in moral terms, significantly shaping public perception and legitimizing particular political positions adopted by the state.The analysis demonstrates that moral nationalism operates by elevating the nation to the status of the supreme moral subject, establishing rigid binaries of “right” and “wrong.” The politics of memory plays a central role in this process through selective remembering and forgetting, emphasizing historical loss and national humiliation while marginalizing alternative memories of coexistence, interdependence, and everyday cross-border life. As a result, the construction of the “enemy” becomes normalized, rendering the border dispute morally justified and seemingly unavoidable, while simultaneously narrowing the space for critique, compromise, and nuanced understanding.The article further explores the social consequences of moral nationalism for cross-border relations and domestic society. These include the erosion of trust among border communities, the stereotyping and moral stigmatization of Cambodian migrant workers and ethnic minorities, and the obscuring of structural problems such as inequality, underdevelopment, and vulnerability in border areas. Within a state-centered moral framework, human suffering is often subordinated to abstract notions of national dignity and security.In response, the article proposes a shift toward an analytical and normative framework grounded in human dignity and the ethics of shared memory. This approach challenges the monopolization of moral authority by the nation-state and calls for the recognition of plural memories, particularly those of borderland populations, as integral to a shared historical landscape. Rather than rejecting the nation or sovereignty, this perspective seeks to reposition the nation as one moral frame among others, subject to the primacy of human dignity. The article concludes that moving beyond moral nationalism toward a human-centered framework is essential for reducing the instrumentalization of border disputes in domestic politics and for opening possibilities for sustainable cross-border peace in the long term.

Economic and social inequality in Thailand: Causes, impacts, and solutions

2026-01-21T15:31:06+07:00

This article aims to analyze the main causes, impacts, and solutions to economic and social inequality in Thailand, a persistent problem significantly affecting the country’s development in multiple dimensions. The study finds that the unbalanced economic structure between the agricultural and industrial sectors, along with unequal access to education and social welfare, are key factors driving the continuous expansion of inequality. The article highlights the wide-ranging consequences of inequality, including slowed economic growth, social conflict and instability, and restricted opportunities for education and workforce skill development among disadvantaged groups, which are major obstacles to sustainable national development. To address these issues, the article proposes policy reforms focusing on fair income distribution, improving equitable access to education and welfare systems, and promoting collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society to foster fairness and reduce inequality at the grassroots level. This article hopes to contribute to stimulating serious policy and social change, preventing inequality from undermining Thailand’s future and building a more equitable and sustainable society in the long term.

the Role of Youth and Social Movements in the Digital Age: A Study of Activist Groups, the Use of Technology in Political Expression, and its Impact on Thai Society

2026-01-21T15:35:49+07:00

This article analyzes the role of youth and social movements in the digital era, focusing on the study of youth activists in Thailand and their use of digital technologies as tools for political expression and communication. The movements in this era are characterized by the utilization of social media platforms and online technologies that provide youth with broad and rapid access to social and political issues. The article examines the impact of these movements on Thai society, including increased political participation among youth, shifts in political attitudes and culture, as well as challenges arising from the use of digital technologies, such as misinformation, censorship, and online privacy concerns. These challenges require careful management to promote effective and sustainable activism. Furthermore, the article proposes policy recommendations to support responsible technology use, enhance youth media literacy, and create safe spaces for political expression and participation in the digital age. These proposals aim to strengthen the role of youth in driving Thai society toward genuine equality and freedom.

Humanitarian Corridors a New Approach To Addressing Humanitarian Crises

2026-01-28T08:32:49+07:00

This article analyzes the dynamics of "Humanitarian Corridors" as a strategic mechanism for addressing complex crises, moving beyond descriptive accounts to a critical synthesis based on International Relations theories and humanitarian principles. The study argues that humanitarian corridors are not merely logistical routes but contested spaces negotiating between state sovereignty and human rights. By examining the application of these corridors in both armed conflicts and natural disasters, the article highlights a conceptual expansion towards "Humanitarian Logistics Corridors." The analysis reveals that failures in cases like Syria and the Rohingya crisis stem from the "politicization of aid," where sovereign states perceive humanitarian access as a security threat. Conversely, success in other contexts relies on integrating technologies such as GIS and AI for decision-making support. Finally, the article proposes shifting focus from temporary emergency measures to the "Humanitarian-Development Nexus," ensuring that the infrastructure established for corridors serves as a foundation for long-term community resilience and sustainable recovery.

The Politics of Sacred Spaces: Religion, Historical Sites, and Territorial Claims in Border Disputes

2026-01-28T08:39:58+07:00

The Thailand–Cambodia border dispute involves not only territorial demarcation and state sovereignty but also sacred spaces, ancient monuments, and religious sites used as symbols of nationhood and morality. The politics of sacred spaces in this context intertwines history, religion, and nationalist discourse, rendering the dispute not merely a legal matter but also a moral and identity-laden conflict. Claims over sacred sites are thus elevated as acts of defending national dignity and historical legitimacy. This article examines the mechanisms of political legitimacy and the construction of “us–them” imagery through the case study of Preah Vihear Temple. Findings indicate that the use of monuments and religious sites as political instruments complicates and prolongs border disputes. Selective memory and the creation of moralized enemies significantly shape social perception and the relationship between the state and border communities . Local communities face tangible impacts in economic, social, and cultural dimensions, demonstrating that sacred-space politics extends beyond interstate relations. To manage such disputes sustainably, this article proposes strategies for establishing negotiation spaces and shared understanding that allow all stakeholders to participate in narrating historical and religious experiences. Cultural and moral compromise, alongside frameworks for shared heritage conservation, are key mechanisms for mitigating conflict and fostering trust between the state and society. Integrating legal, cultural, and moral dimensions is thus essential for effectively managing disputes over sacred spaces.