Research Articles

The kinship relations of Thai-Lao communities along River banks: a case of - community and recommendations for improving Thai-Lao Relations*

Watunyu Jaiborisudhi1*, Wichian Intasi1 and Ampa Kaewkumkong1

1Institute of East Asian Studies, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12121, .

Abstract Background: The bilateral relations between Thailand and were initially based on a good perception for a long time. It can be said that Thai policy towards relations with Laos was adhered to the old discourse, which believed that Thailand and Laos are Sister Countries, and thus presumed the close tie between them. While Thai myth believed that they were strong bilateral relations, , on the contrary, believed that the aforementioned discourse implied an insult of towards Laotian. Objective: 1. To study the cause of the problems concerning the bilateral relations between Thailand and Laos. 2. To study the relative advantage of the bilateral relations between Thailand and Laos. Results: The study of the comparison of the advantage and disadvantage between Thailand and on the relationship with Lao showed that Thailand was relatively disadvantaged in comparison to Vietnam in all aspects. However, the Researcher has proposed the advantage that Thailand possesses over the bilateral relations between Thailand and Laos, namely, the kinship relations of the communities along both Mekong River banks included Mukdahan-Savannakhet community which was closely sustained. Discussion: This research is to study the causes of the bilateral relations problem, and to present the advantages over the improving of the bilateral relations between Thailand and Laos under the historical research and the concept of National interest.

Keyword: The kinship relations, Thai-Lao communities, Mukdahan-Savannakhet community, Thai-Lao Relations

* Corresponding author: [email protected] The International Journal of East Asian Studies

Introduction Those problems were questioned by The bilateral relations between Thailand researcher in the study of: What are the causes and Laos were initially based on a good of relations problems between Thailand and perception for a long time. It can be said that Laos and what are the advantages of Thailand Thai policy towards relations with Laos was in improving these bilateral relations? adhered to the old discourse, which believed This research was conducted through that Thailand and Laos are Sister Countries, using the concept of national interest as the and thus presumed the close tie between them. guideline. Though it was the national interest While Thai myth believed that they were strong basis, the analysis will focus on the loss of the bilateral relations, Lao people, on the contrary, bilateral relations between Thailand and Laos. believed that the aforementioned discourse The researcher did not target at resources, implied an insult of Thai people towards Laos. trade or the investment in Laos, but the This view was achieved through various researcher aimed to focus on the benefit from sources including the Mukdahan-Savannakhet their good mutual relations under the entire perception survey, the in-depth interview and good understanding, to lessen the fears, focus group, as well as the research document including the bilateral friendship between on the topic of “The Thai-Lao relations from Thailand and Laos. The major interest would Lao’s point of view” by the Institute of Asia lead to the kinship relations which would Studies University. (Khien Tee- establish the cooperation of both nations. For rawit, 2001) The relating information included Thai, we have to accept the mistakes in the the attitude and the relations of both countries past especially during cold war period and which were uneven. It reflected in the histori- accelerate the adjustment and improvement of cal conflicts between Thailand and Laos which the bilateral relations. gradually accumulated to the Lao perception for years. The causes of the bilateral relations Moreover, the influence of Vietnam and problem between Thailand and Laos their strong bilateral relations with Laos, made The causes of the problem were clas- Vietnam the leader country in the Indochina sified into two issues; the historical conflicts regional. Vietnam has continually pushed and the influence of Vietnam in Indochina forward proactive policy to other Indochina region. member countries. For example: the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation signed with Problem of the Historical Conflicts Laos in 1977, and with in 1979. between Thailand and Laos Furthermore, Vietnam had strengthened and The problem of the past conflict between provided assistance to other Indochina coun- Thailand and Laos stemmed from nationalism, tries in the security, economic, social and it could be said that nationalism is a result of technology matters. colonialism. Many colonial states wanted to liberate their countries in economic, politic,

38 The kinship relations of Thai-Lao communities along Mekong River banks: a case of Mukdahan-Savannakhet community and recommendations for improving Thai-Lao Relations Watunyu Jaiborisudhi, Wichian Intasi and Ampa Kaewkumkong social and cultural aspects from their coloniz- attack as Chao Siri Boonsarn denied ers. Hence, to restore the identity together with to ally with Thailand in the fighting with Burma. establish the national unity, the colonial states At that time Laos had divided into three had to construct and re-produce their national- kingdoms: Vientiane, Champasak and Luang ism history responding to their needs at the Phrabang. It was easy for Siam to overcome time. However, this procedure was inevitably Vientiane. This resulted in the loss of territories done through binary opposition. They primar- of all three kingdoms in 1778. Siam captured ily focused on building good images for their thousands of Lao people and brought them own country, while created contradictory back to Saraburi province, while all members images for others; making other countries their of the Lao Royal family were held hostage permanent enemies; calling other countries in . Furthermore, Siam robbed Lao threats or making them inferior to their own properties, including the that countries, etc. For example, the perception of was later brought from Vientiane to Bangkok. Thai state was told by nationalism history that (Sila Viravong, 1997) It can be said that the was our permanent enemy, Vietnam loss of Emerald Buddha caused deep-cut was our threats, Cambodia could not be wound to the Lao people. trusted, and Laos was inferior. This resulted Phaya Chakri and Phaya Surasri case in the bilateral conflicts between Thailand and showed that the same history was perceived Laos. It came from the negligence of Thai entirely different by the two countries. It was media, that implicitly incorporate scornful in the reign of Thailand’s King Rama III, after perception to Lao people such as in the Nicole three kingdom of Laos had defeated, King case, the movie “Mak Tae” and in the musical Anuvong tried to get independence from Siam. drama “Love Song of the Mekong Banks”. In He led the army to relocate Lao people from this case, Lao believed that Thai people looked Saraburi province and migrated them to Vien- down on and insulted them which resulted in tiane. However, King Anuvong failed and it the protest of the Lao government against the showed his defiant to the Kingdom of Siam. Thai government. Thus, King Rama III commanded the army to Meanwhile, Laos had also unified their capture King Anuvong, as well as those Lao nation through nationalism history and text- people and bring them back to Siam. Moreover, books. There were several cases and historical the Siam army burnt the whole Vientiane for evidences which showed how abusive and fear that Lao would fight back and rebel again. oppressive Thailand was to Laos, making King Anuvong was captured and imprisoned Thailand their permanent enemy. until his death in 1828. (Sila Viravong, 1997) For example, in the Emerald Buddha King Anuvong case presented conflicting story case, Lao people think that they lost their as a result of nationalism. For Lao people’s sacred possession by Thai robbery. It was in point of view, they suffered a great loss and 778 A.D., when King Tak-Sin commanded the defeated, while on the Thai side, this story General Phaya Chakri and Phaya Surasri to showed them how powerful their country was.

39 The International Journal of East Asian Studies

This case created suffering and bad memory From the above discussion, it can be for Lao people, which was similar to the Thai- seen that during the cold war, the bilateral land’s huge loss during Ayutthaya period. relations of Thailand and Laos was paradoxical. Another conflict between Thailand and The main interest of Thailand and the US was Laos was the different between their political to defeat the communist. It was obvious that ideologies during cold war. In that bipolar the air force bases was assembled and origi- world, Thailand was supported by the US, while nated from Thailand, and the air strikes made Laos was supported by the communist. In that the big damage to Laotian. It was also clear situation, Thailand and the US had the com- that Thailand was the alliance who damaged mon perception against communist threat the Laos. Also, Thai supported the (armed) under the domino theory, which resulted in the Hmong and hired soldiers to fight the war with implementation of the communist containment Laos. It reflected that Thailand had supported policy by Thailand and the US. With the fear the “Kon bor dee” especially the Hmong group of the , Thailand mistaken the main to cause war in Laos. The containment goal of Pathet Lao (liberation from imperialism), communist policy of Thailand and the US made and at the time understood that left-wing Laotian people angry with Thailand. Laos was movement in Laos was a threat to Thailand’s not impressed by Thai action and it took a security. long time to improve their perception with Therefore, the cooperation between Thailand. And it was very hard to uplift the Thailand and the US to defend the Lao com- relations to a good level. munist were established in all forms, whether However, after Laos opened their the interference in the Laos’ internal affairs, country, they administered with the omni the support provided to the armed Hmong directional policy which based on the new under the command of General Vang Pao, and thinking in foreign policy. They particularly the sending of over 30,000 Thai soldiers to joined hands with newly-independent world. fight a secret war with the Pathet Lao regime. For Thailand, after the ending of cold war in Furthermore, with the support of the US, 1990, the bilateral relations between Thailand Thailand became the location of the Unsinkable and Laos were developed into good terms. It Aircraft Carrier, that Thailand permitted the US could be said that the new thinking in foreign army to assemble 8 air force bases in the policy was consistent with Thailand’s new country. In 1970, the US air force struck Laos policy, that was to transform the battle field to for 106,872 times, and in 1971, the US air a market place during the Prime Minister force struck Laos for 95,495 times. 47 percent Chatichai Choonhavan government. It was an of the air strikes over Laos originated from important basis in promoting the better bilat- Thailand bases. (Puangthong Pawakapan, eral relations of the two countries. Also, the 2006) This damaged and made a huge loss people relations of the communities of Thailand for Laos. However, Thai-Lao kinship relations and Laos along Mekong River showed a along Mekong River remained in good terms positive picture of Thailand-Laos relations. and continued to sustain.

40 The kinship relations of Thai-Lao communities along Mekong River banks: a case of Mukdahan-Savannakhet community and recommendations for improving Thai-Lao Relations Watunyu Jaiborisudhi, Wichian Intasi and Ampa Kaewkumkong

Unfortunately, during the Asian eco- perception that Thailand and the US were nomic crisis in 1997, Thailand had no policy their threats, who acted against their to provide assistance to Laos. Furthermore, national interest. It was Laos’ aim to sustain Thailand had postponed the purchase of the its and to dismantle imperialism. electric power from Laos due to the slowdown The aforementioned threats and national of the Thai economy, which led to the worsen- interest of Laos were coincided with the ing in Laos’ economic situation. (Surachai national interest of Vietnam. Therefore, the Sirikrai, 2009) Consequently, Laos turned to communist Laos and Vietnam joined hands in Vietnam, the former communist alliance, for a war against Thailand and the US. Vietnam help. From 1997 until now, Laos has strength- sent the troops and weapons to support ened their relations with Vietnam. Prathet Lao movement, while Laos allowed the Vietnamese troops to transfer their army force The Influence of Vietnam over Indo- and provisions through the Ho Chi Minh route to beleaguer South Vietnam base. Cambodia Vietnam’s foreign policy may not play under Sihanou’s leadership, tried to balance a prominent role in comparison to Thailand’s out Vietnamese influence with a close relation policy in ASEAN, however, its policy plays with China, as well as a participation in Non a major role over Laos and Cambodia in Aligned Movement (NAM) to reduce Vietnam’s Indochina. At this stage, it could be accepted role and influence over Cambodia. However, that Vietnam was the real leader in Indochina, Sihanou was unable to resist Vietnam, and as a result of their long term relations with eventually allowed North Vietnam to transfer Laos and Cambodia during the colonial period. the troops and the provisions through Sihanou had built Vietnam as the centre of the Ville port. (Theera Nuchpiam, 2003) Indo-China administration and trading. Later in In 1970s, the Indochina Special Rela- 1930, Komintern tried to make Indochina a tions encouraged by Vietnam became tangible. socialist Bloc, leading by Ho Chi Minh, who The Treaty of Peace Friendship and Coopera- established unity in Indochina. (Sriprapa Petch- tion was signed by Vietnam and Laos in 1977, meesri, 1998) These historical and interna- and the treaty between Vietnam and Cambodia tional political contexts influenced Vietnamese was signed in 1979, accordingly. The afore- leader’s perception in building up Vietnam as mentioned Treaties were the agreements the hub while Cambodia and Laos were their signed by Vietnam to assist and establish the spokes in the Indochina region. Furthermore, cooperation in Indochina region in the omni they tried to eliminate the French influence in direction including economic, political, social, Indochina so that the three countries fused and particularly the army force cooperation. into the brotherhood against imperialism. Both Laos and Cambodia also allowed Vietnam After the severity of cold war, Vietnam to maintain its military forces in their territories. was divided into two parts, North Vietnam and It showed the clear influence of Vietnam in South Vietnam. Prathet Lao had an obvious Indochina. It could be said that the Treaty of

41 The International Journal of East Asian Studies

Peace Friendship and Cooperation was the special cooperation by communist parties in starting point of the Indochina and Vietnamese Vietnam and Laos stressed their special cooperation. For example: the Minister of For- relations. eign Affairs Forum, the Indo-China Economic In 1987, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Minister Forum which regularly organized in Party (LPRP), had the resolution to celebrate rotation, among the Indochina to jointly plan the 10th anniversary under the Treaty of Peace economic, cultural and public health policy. Friendship and Cooperation with Vietnam. They Moreover, the relations in the Indochina com- believed that Vietnam was their main factor munity, was pushed forward by Vietnam to helping them achieved the revolution victory. “Twin Cities” to promote the good relations of Moreover, the Lao government disclosed that the three countries in the micro level. (Surachai there were thousands of Vietnamese volunteers Sirikrai, 2009) that had devoted themselves for the Lao Vietnam assisted Laos and Cambodia revolution. Also, Vietnam had continually in all aspects, such as economic, political, assisted over 500 development projects in social, military, technology, and technical as- Laos. (Surachai Sirikrai, 1989) This reflects sistance. They continually granted the assis- strong bilateral relations between Vietnam and tance to both countries. For example, in 1983, Laos, and strong cooperation against the Vietnam provided economic and the military common threats. Furthermore, the 1997 Asian economic assistance to Laos and Cambodia at the amount crisis, which Thailand provided very little of 65,000 Dong or about 20 percent of Viet- assistance to Laos, was very different from nam’s total budget. (Khien Theeravit, 1985) It Vietnam’s action. Vietnam provided a huge showed that Vietnam sincerely devoted to Laos assistance to Laos until Laos had recovered and Cambodia in order to establish the strong from the Asian economic crisis. Laos was cooperation under the Indochina Special Rela- sincerely impressed by Vietnam’s action. tions before they became ASEAN members in During the 1997 Economic crisis, Thailand 1990s. decreased the purchase of the electricity from However, later Cambodia was no longer Laos, and provided very little assistance. governed by the Communist, Vietnam relations Vietnam, on the other hand, assisted Laos by with Cambodia was thus reduced. (Thanyathip providing Vietnamese economic specialist to Sripana, 2007) Laos which remains under the help solving Lao economic problems, as well supervision of the communist, shows sustain- as using product exchange system instead of ably close relations with Vietnam. For those normal trading system. Thus, whenever Vietnam three countries, they exchanged views and requires any assistance, the Lao government established the relations in the local govern- does not hesitate to help. This is very different ment and central government level. But the from the Thailand scenario. (Prasit Viriya- bilateral relations between Vietnam and Laos boonma, 2011) were better than the bilateral relations between In the early 1999, Lao students and Vietnam and Cambodia. The exchange of the lecturers gathered to call for democracy. As a

42 The kinship relations of Thai-Lao communities along Mekong River banks: a case of Mukdahan-Savannakhet community and recommendations for improving Thai-Lao Relations Watunyu Jaiborisudhi, Wichian Intasi and Ampa Kaewkumkong result, Lao leaders visited Vietnam to ask for major factors: First, the historical conflicts help against the Lao democratic movement. between Thai and Laos. Second, Vietnamese Vietnam agreed by signing the special agree- influence in Indochina. In order to solve the ment that strengthened the bilateral relations problem of conflict between Thailand and with Laos in terms of bilateral assistance, Laos, Thai side had to start accepting their as well as foreign policy. They also mutually wrongdoing in the past especially during the established the economic, political and social cold war period. Moreover, Thailand should plan. Laos also cut import duties on products review its roles and the attitudes toward Laos from Vietnam, as well as implemented income by starting to revise its history and nationalist tax and benefits exemption for the Vietnamese textbooks which always perceive Lao being investor. Moreover, Laos authorized the inferior to Thai people. They should write Vietnamese construction companies to build history without adding nationalist sentiment, all roads in the country. The close relationship and tell Thai people to understand that the between Laos and Vietnam made Laos very Lanchang Kingdom was in fact as great as much dependent on Vietnam. (Surachai Ayutthaya Kingdom. Also, make Thai people Sirikrai, 2009) Furthermore, both Laos and realize their terrible action in the history, that Vietnam confronted the same threat, not only, Thailand once attacked Laos, robbed, and burnt the internal threat from Laos People’s Demo- Vientiane. The most important thing was that cratic Republic in Laos, but also the Global Thailand used to cooperate with the US to Democratization threat and the Human Rights engage in the war with Laos during the Cold ideology. It could be said that both Laos and War. Both history and the textbooks had to be Vietnam faced the same threat of the Global revised and written to emphasize the kinship Democratization which made their bilateral relations between Thailand and Laos. relations even closer. It reflected in their The revision of history and textbook mutual policies in all aspects. It was considered would create better understanding and the that Thailand was the agent of the Demo- positive perception to Laos for Thai people. It cratic and liberalism which continually affected should provoke our wrongdoing, and build a the Indochina communist. Moreover, Lao sense of kinship between Thailand and Laos. situation was more dependent on Vietnam, in Then established and improve the new relative contrast with Thailand, which Laos became perception, without dishonor, nor taking a part less dependent on. from Thai and Laos. Furthermore, the revision of the history and textbooks will be a good The Relations of the communities foundation to build a correct history and along the Mekong River banks and the textbooks which will be using together in the advantages of the Thai-Laos relations future which will develop knowledge and good From the above, it showed that the understanding, as well as the fraternity for problem of the bilateral relations between ASEAN member countries in the ASEAN Thailand and Laos was resulted from two community in 2015.

43 The International Journal of East Asian Studies

Indochina leadership of Vietnam was felt that Thailand was the threat to the com- the benefits of the good bilateral relations munist regime. between Vietnam and Laos. Whenever Laos Economy: Though the overall trade was more dependent on Vietnam, the depen- investment of Thailand in Laos was higher than dency on Thailand would decrease. According that of Vietnam, Vietnam continued to expand to the threats analysis, the closer relations their investment in Laos. In 2007, the Vietnam’s of Vietnam and Laos, means the more investment value was higher than Thailand’s, adjusted relations between Thailand and Laos. and it was the second highest after China. Considering the Vietnamese capability and (Surachai Sirikrai, 2009) Vietnam intended intention, it could be seen that there was huge to increase their investment, making Laos Vietnamese military support to Laos during becoming more dependent on them, while the cold war. Moreover, in the early 20th becoming less dependent on Thailand. century, Vietnam helped preventing Laos Cooperation: there were various levels against the threat of democratization. Vietnam of cooperation between Thailand and Laos has no less capability than Thailand in terms both multilateral and bilateral ones. But the of economic power or technology. However, bilateral cooperation between Thailand and they manage to use their economic and tech- Laos was not as strong as Vietnam and Laos’. nological capacity as soft power to effectively It could be seen from the Indo-China Special win over Laotian. Relations under the Treaty of Peace Friendship With Vietnam’s capability and intention, and Cooperation, as well as the mutual fears they could use their special relations as their of the threat by the liberal world. In 2000, advantage, as opposed to Thailand. The Vietnam and Laos had signed the Special analyses were as follows: Agreement, which both countries will establish Historical conflicts: In the past, both the economic, political and social plan, as well Thailand and Vietnam had spread their influ- as foreign policy unity in the future. (Surachai ences over the Lao territory before the Nation Sirikrai, 2009) State was formed. Regarding the modern The comparison of the advantages and history, such as , and the war in the disadvantages of the multilateral relations Laos which Thailand collaborated with the US, of Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, according to Laos and Vietnam has created a strong alliance those 4 aforementioned factors, shows that against the threat of the liberal world. Vietnam had the advantage over Thailand in Political regime: The relationship all aspects. However, it could be seen that the between Laos and Vietnam under the com- advantage that Thailand has over Vietnam was munist ideology was very strong. Both nations the kinship relations. The kinship relations had the cooperation in all aspects at all levels between Thailand and Laos reflected ethnic of the communist party. Thailand’s democratic relations of both nations. It could be seen that made it impossible for us to establish the same the languages we used to communicate were relationship, and the democratic made Laos similar, and we have very close ties between

44 The kinship relations of Thai-Lao communities along Mekong River banks: a case of Mukdahan-Savannakhet community and recommendations for improving Thai-Lao Relations Watunyu Jaiborisudhi, Wichian Intasi and Ampa Kaewkumkong the communities along both sides of Mekong Besides the shared historical character- river banks. Along 1,500 kilometers of Thailand istics of communities, they also shared the and Lao border, there were relative communi- same religious legend, especially the Legend ties along both sides of Mekong river banks. of Urang-katat (the breast bone of Buddha) Even during the cold war period, they traveled during the Buddha era. It was told that the back and forth, and they also had common Lord Buddha visited Mekong River basin and traditions, cultures, religions, as well as con- showed the miracle of torturing the Naga who tinually trading relations (Adisorn Semyam, lived along the Mekong basin. It was the sign 2011). This case study is a good example of of their social and Cultural Revolution in the good relationship of between Thailand and communities where people previously believed Laos using the Mukdaharn–Savannakhet in animism and superstition. Laotian changed communitiy as the representative of the their belief and began to worship , communities along Mekong river banks, not to the same religion as Thailand. The Mukdahan- mention Thatphanom-Thakhaek, Nongkhai- Savannakhet community as well as other Thabor, Chong mek- communities. communities along the Mekong respected Pra The historical characteristics of Mukda- Borommatat pagoda, as they believed it was han-Savannakhet community: they shared the the sacred place and the center for the people long history and legend. The people migrated from all walks of life (Sutin Sanongphan, 2000). from Vientiane leading by Lord Chandrasuri- It could be said that the Thai-Lao community yawongse, settled down and built their home- along the Mekong River were related by Prathat land at Baan Luang Phonsim, the Ing-Hang ideology. For example, Prathat Phanom was , currently situated in the Savanakhet the worship place of both Laotian and Thai, District. Lord Chanthakinnaree later ruled the who felt that they were both Prathat sons community, and expanded the territory along (stupa sons). the Mekong River. At Huay BangMuk, he built For Mukdahan-Savannakhet communi- Sri Mongkhon temple (Sri Mongkhon is now ties, they had Pratat “Ing-Hang”, which in Mukdahan Province). There was a story contained the Lord Buddha’s spine (backbone). that at mid night, there was a transparent and It was the most sacred place for those people, glittering object emerge from the top of the and it was the twin of Buddha’s relic, Prathat seven sugar palm trees and floated over the Phanom. Prathat Phanom was believed to be Mekong River banks, Lord Chanthakinnaree a part of Prathat Ing-Hang history. The local then named such object “Keo Mukdahan or people also believed that the Lord Buddha had the Pearl Crystal” and thus called the city visited this very place after he visited Pookam- “Mukdahan”. (Pises Jearchanphong, 1994) pra moutain, which is currently in Prathat This story implies the shared history of both Phanom. (Supachai Singyabuth, 2000) From communities along the river banks. Other c the history and legend, it can be seen that the ommunities also shared similar history as Buddhist belief was shared by Mukdahan- Mukdahan-Savannakhet one. Savannakhet community, and it showed that

45 The International Journal of East Asian Studies

the two nations were related and shared the people of Mukdahan and Savannakhet would Buddhist tie. This could be seen as an advan- jointly harvest rice fields, which was called tage that could help improving the bilateral “Long Khaek”. After that, they would have a relations between Thailand and Laos. celebratory party together. It was a tradition Tradition and cultural characteristics of that usually occurred along both sides of Me- the Mukdahan-Savannakhet community: the kong River banks. (Piyachat Sindhusa-ad, kinship relations of the Mukdahan-Savannakhet 1997) It could be said that these shared community were non-blood and were not traditions and culture continually helped main- marital ones, which was anthropologically taining good kinship relations and promoting called “Artificial Kinship”, or “Pook Suay” tradi- better understanding and unity among Thailand tion. Furthermore, there were sharing traditions and Laos. of the communities along both river banks, The history, tradition and the culture of including rice donating at the funeral where Mukdahan and Savannakhet community the people along the river banks would cross showed the common ethnic and the traditions over to attend the ceremony, regardless of the and cultures influenced by Buddhism enhance distance from their hometown. The Boun Song the special relations between the two com- Rua or Boat Racing Festival between the munities. It was different from the special people of Mukdahan and Savannakhet was a relations between Laos and Vietnam which tradition that had been held for years. On the was particular linked with political state-to-state festival, the immigration point would be closed issues. The special relations of Mukdahan and after midnight. This clearly showed the close Savannakhet, and the communities along bilateral relations between Mukdahan and Mekong river banks were kinship relation, and Savannakhet community. All travelers from such special relations were stronger and more both sides of the river did not need to present stable than the state-to-state relations. The any document before entering the country. political relations could change according to They only needed to fill in the names and the the changes in the National interest, global, numbers of people in the book, which was political, and economic climates. The Mukda- controlled by the local officer. (Adisorn Semy- han and Savannakhet community, on the am, 2011) It illustrated the bilateral relations other hand, continued to maintain their strong that exceed beyond any border or modern relationship across the river Nation State’s regulation. Another shared tradition between Conclusion Mukdahan and Savannakhet that showed The comparison of the advantage and strong bilateral relations along Mekong River disadvantage between Thailand and Vietnam was Heat Sib Song. This was a customary on the relationship with Lao showed that tradition that incorporates agriculture with Thailand was relatively disadvantaged in religion. People would practice it every month comparison to Vietnam in all aspects. of the lunar calendar year. For example, However, the Researcher has proposed the

46 The kinship relations of Thai-Lao communities along Mekong River banks: a case of Mukdahan-Savannakhet community and recommendations for improving Thai-Lao Relations Watunyu Jaiborisudhi, Wichian Intasi and Ampa Kaewkumkong advantage that Thailand possesses over the the history and textbooks without adding their bilateral relations between Thailand and Laos, nationalist sentiments. namely, the kinship relations of the communi- The revision of the history and textbooks ties along both Mekong River banks included will be a good foundation to build a correct Mukdahan-Savannakhet community, which was history and textbooks which will be using closely sustained. It was beyond concepts of together in the future which will develop borders, rules and the Nation State. Moreover, knowledge and good understanding, as well it was beyond any political ideology, conflicts as the fraternity for ASEAN member countries and benefits. The kinship relations along in the ASEAN community in 2015. Mekong River presented good bilateral Lastly, Thailand has to continually relations between Thailand and Laos. In order provide the sincere cooperation and assistance to develop strong relations with Laos, strategic to Laos, either in terms of economic, social or policy, with a strong support to sustain the technological assistance. This is to achieve the kinship community along the Mekong River, goal of uplifting the current bilateral relations is needed. with Laos. Moreover, to maintain the good relations, we have to make Thai people understand and Acknowledgement adjust their attitude towards Lao. Thailand also This work was supported by the needs to accept our wrongdoing to Laos in the National Research University Project of Thai- past especially during cold war period. Fur- land office of Higher Education Commission. thermore, both countries should agree to revise

Reference Adisorn Semyam. (2011, July 6). Interview. Khien Teerawit. (1985). “Cambodia” Annual Researcher. Institute of Asia Studies, Asia 1985. Institute of Asia Studies, Chulalongkorn University. Chulalongkorn University. Gearoid O Tuathail, Simon Dalby and Paul Khien Teerawit. (2001). Thai-Lao relations in Routledge. (2006). The Geopolitics Laotian perception. Bangkok: Chulalong- Reader. Oxon: Routledge. korn Printing house. Harvey, David. (2005). A Brief History of Lerche, Charles O. and Said, Abdul A. (1963). Neo-liberalism. Oxford: Oxford Univer- Concept of International Politics. New sity Press. Jersey: Prentice Hall. Khanlasy Keobounphanh. (2011, July 22). Nieokham Khammenathy. (2011, July 30). Interview. Counselor of Economic and Interview. Agriculture and Forestry Commercial. Embassy of the Lao PDR. Service office of Vientiane Capital, Lao In Thailand. PDR.

47 The International Journal of East Asian Studies

Nye, J.S. Jr. (2007). Understanding Interna- Surachai Sirikrai. (1989). “Laos” Annual Asia tional Conflicts. 6 th ed. Longman. 1989. Institute of Asia Studies, Chula- Pises Jearchanphong. (1994). Urang-katat longkorn University. (That-phanom Legend). Bangkok: Surachai Sirikrai. (2009). “Laos: Politics, Reunkeaw Printing. Economy and International Relation Piyachat Sindhusa-ad. (1997). Lanchang Social: After the Economic Crisis (1997-2007)” 21-23 B.E. Master’s thesis, Department in Sida Sornri (Ed). : of History, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Tham- Politics, Economy and International rela- masat University. tion after the Economic crisis (1997- Prasit Viriyaboonma. (2011, April 26). Interview. 2007). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn Printing Director. Savan ceramic co.ltd. house. Puangthong Pawakapan. (2006). Vietnam War Sutin Sanongphan. (2000). The Socio-Historical and the truth of Thai State. Bangkok: of Mekong River Banks 1349-1827. Copefire. Muban Chombueng Rajabhat Univer- Rosnau, James N. (1968). International Ency- sity. clopedia of the Social Science. New Thanyathip Sripana. (2007). Vietnam’s foreign York: Macmilan Company & The Free policy since 1986: a case of Vietnam’s Press. policy towards Thailand. Bangkok: Thai- Sila Viravong. (1997). History of Laos. Bangkok: land Research Fund. Matichon. Theera Nuchpiam. (2003). “Cambodia Politics” Sriprapa Petchmeesri. (1998). Vietnam: econo Southeast Asia: The Politics after the mic and political development. Bangkok: end of Cold War. Bangkok: Chulalong- Copefire. korn Printing house. Supachai Singyabuth. (2002). Southern Laos. Thongsay Sychanh. (2011, July 30). Interview. Bangkok: Krongkran-anaboriwansuksa- Lecturer. Champasak University, ha bhumipark. Chapasak province, Lao PDR.

48