Enhancing Africa Cultural Understanding in Thailand

Book Discussion "African Migration to Thailand: Race, Mobility and Integration" hosted by Seajunction (photo by Musa) The influx of African migrants to Thailand has increased over the years. Kasit Piromya, the former Foreign Minister of Thailand, stressed the need to convey knowledge and understanding between Thai and African communities in the Thai language to reach a broader Thai audience.

On 26th April 2023, SSEA-Junction and the Institute for Population and Social Research at Thailand's Mahidol University, jointly organised a book discussion titled "African Migration to Thailand: Race, Mobility and Integration". The event attracted a diverse audience interested in learning about the complex issue of African migration to Thailand. The event was graced by a panel of highly experienced guest speakers who shared their insights on the challenges faced by African migrants in Thailand, including issues related to race, mobility and integration.

The panel included Supang Chantavanich and Naruemon Thabchumpon, faculty members from the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University, Kasit Piromya, the former Foreign Minister of Thailand, and Anthony Ukam Unor, a Ph.D. Candidate. They also discussed the ways in which African communities in Thailand are adapting to the cultural and social norms of the country.

Kasit Piromya spoke about the trade aspect of Thai-African relations, noting that Africa has been a significant importer of Thai goods for many decades, with Thailand supplying more than one billion tons of goods per year. He also mentioned that Thailand has been sourcing some of its raw materials, such as hardwood timber, from the eastern side of Africa. Kasit expressed optimism over the possibility of importing more raw materials from Africa.

He expects Thailand to become a donor country and share its success in economic and social development with African nations. Looking ahead 25 years, Africa will have a youthful and increasingly urbanised population, resulting in one of the highest population growth rates globally. This presents significant potential and possibilities for Thai businesses, particularly in agricultural exports, as the continent will have a large consumer base.

To further promote the relationship between Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia with Africa, collaboration with airlines is necessary. A more proactive approach is, however, required from ambassadors in Bangkok. To address the issues faced by African migrants in Bangkok, embassies and Thai NGOs must work together to raise awareness among Thai parliamentarians, political parties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Council.

Ignorance and lack of knowledge should not be an excuse for exploiting African friends who come to Thailand, primarily for trade. The tight security, immigration and the police have often exploited African migrants, due to prejudice, moral corruption and lack of knowledge, leading to some becoming political urban refugees. Kasit recommended translating the panel discussions into Thai, to increase awareness among the academic community, media, businesses and the private sector.

He also suggested opening more embassies and consulates, as well as trade, investment and tourism offices in central Africa. This would help to promote closer ties The event provided an opportunity for open discussion and exchanges of ideas among the panelists and the audience.

The audience actively participated in the discussion, sharing their perspectives on the issue and asking thought-provoking questions.

By Truong Khanh Thi Nguyen