Reference

Rangsit in transition : urbanisation and cultural adaptation in Central Thailand

Authors :

Sowatree Nathalang

Abstract :

Thailand has experienced dramatic social and economic changes over recent times. The 'modernisation and development' paradigm has been influential not only in terms of providing an analysis of the associated phenomena, but has provided much of the impetus behind the actual policies and practices pursued by various agencies of the Thai state and bureaucracy. Urbanisation, more particularly the continued spread of Bangkok into which has led many commentators to consider this to imply major changes in the fabric of Thai culture and lifeways. It is commonly stated that a transition from a traditional, rural-based agricultural way of life, to an anomic, modern, urban one has created difficulties and uncertainties, causing various social problems, breakdown of traditional institutions, and the emergence of a new mode of adjustment which is individualistic and deeply affected by the processes of globalisation.

This study attempts to explore urbanisation and social change as it has occurred in Rangsit, a sprawling area situated at the edge of the Bangkok metropolis. This area is located within the eastern boundaries of Pathum Thani province. It was a major commercial rice-farming area for almost a century. In recent decades, which growth of factories and industries, spread of tertiary and other educational institutions, construction of new housing estates and areas, and provision of entertainment and consumption facilities have proceeded apace.

The study examines the changes which have occurred not just recently, but over the past one hundred years. By focussing on macro-level economic forces, on the one hand, and on micro-level 'communities' on the other, the study examines the processes and consequences of transition in the area. The study presents brief case studies of three distinct communities : an old Chinese community, an old Muslim community, and a modern 'workers' community who have settled particularly notable during the recent 'boom' decades, Thai people have been modifying their way of life in response to external opportunities throughout the past century. Cultural aspects, particularly those arising from distinct ethnic identity, have remained important throughout this period, although today the importance of distinct ethnicity is not a significant as it was. Nevertheless, for the Muslim community, maintenance of its religion distinction has continued to provide an important focus for its collective identity. The necessity of rapid change in order to secure a livelihood and means of survival has created similar conditions for many of the people of Rangsit, and the conditions of globalisation have accentuated this. Nevertheless, a sense of locality has remained important, and the concept of 'glocalisation' is introduced to account for this. The people of Rangsit have shown themselves to be a fundamental aspect of the dynamics of the Thai economy, such that Rangsit continues to function as a vital area of production for the nation state, even under conditions of contemporary crisis.

Thailand, Rangsit area, social study

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