Diasporic identity and integration in transnational marriages between Thai and foreign spouses

Title: Diasporic identity and integration in transnational marriages between Thai and foreign spouses

Author: Mr.Caspar Darling

Year: 2024

Keywords: Thailand, integration, transnational thai marriage, social practices,, cultural awareness, religion, communication

Theme: Social Welfare

Advisor(s): Premjai Vungsriphisal, advisorSupang Chantavanich, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of transnational Thai marriages in Thailand and what implications they have on the host society. The research objectives involved analyzing the social practices, level of integration, and social, economic, and political dimensions of this phenomenon. The methodology involved using census data and in-depth qualitative data based on 10 semi-structured interviews with foreign spouses in transnational Thai marriages based in Thailand. My findings revealed four key themes related to the research objectives. They were cultural awareness, the importance of communication, strength of relationship with the in-laws, and raising children. It was found that cultural awareness was the most important factor in increasing integration. An additional finding was that the religion of Buddhism was an appeal for several participants which also, in turn, helped to increase their cultural awareness and integration. The main argument from this paper appears to challenge a lot of the past research on this topic, and therefore offers a fresh perspective on transnational Thai marriages within the context of Thailand