Similarly critical of the education system, historian Thongchai Winichakul also stressed the need for national Thai history to free itself from hyper nationalism which pits Thailand against its neighbours, and to use the study of history to foster a critical mind instead.
Their advice should be heeded. Leaving the ultra-nationalist cocoon will enable Thais to learn more about other Asean countries’ cultures and languages. Otherwise, the AEC opportunities will pass them by.
Respect for cultural diversity, meanwhile, will enable mainstream society to value its Malay, Lao, and Khmer-speaking communities because their language skills and cultural affinities can help the country boost relations and economic activities with other Asean members more effectively. This new appreciation will lead to state support for cultural pluralism, not ethnic suppression as is the case now. Meanwhile, a critical study of history which does not make people see history as part of their identity will open minds, encourage open discussions, promote tolerance, and strengthen political maturity. This is exactly what we need to make peace possible amid ethnic and ideological differences.
Without education reform, the country cannot maximise AEC opportunities. Any AEC benefits will be concentrated in the hands of the privileged few who are already well-equipped for change. With the slim chance of the AEC helping narrow the country’s outrageous disparities, hopes of ending our dangerously divisive politics remain as far off as ever.