One of the efforts of the Thailand-United States Educational Foundation (TUSEF) is
to encourage and enhance better understanding of diversity in culture. TUSEF, in
cooperation with the American Embassy and the Thai Fulbright Association (the
Fulbright alumni grouping), held a series of seminars under a project entitled,
“Enhancing the Fulbright Philosophy through the Eyes of Thai Alumni”. Fulbright
alumni discussed cultural diversity as a result of borderless world with free flow of
cultures across nations. People need to be aware of this diversity and prepare
themselves accordingly. Young generations should be provided an opportunity to go
abroad, either to further their studies or to work or simply to visit. With their minds
open, they will be able to learn cultural differences and value cultural diversity. In a
broader perspective, it is necessary that people learn to live in harmony amid the
diversity while simultaneously retaining their identity.
The seminars also discussed some national occurrences concerning cultural diversity
and globalization. The conflicting situation between globalization and localization in
Thailand at present is caused by the incomplete knowledge of our own culture.
Unfortunately, the true Thai culture is distorted mainly by national policies and
tourism promotion. Definitions of “Thai culture” are established only within the frame
of arts and crafts. This overlooks other areas of Thai culture, which may better
reflect and parallel the current ways of living in Thailand. Consequently, Thai people
do not know their own culture well enough to adjust themselves to the power of
globalization.