Thai Silk and “Human Security” in the Cold War Period
Keywords:
Thai silk, Cold War, state security, human securityAbstract
This article aims to study the relationship and important role between Thai silk and human security. Initially, Thai silk had a role in spreading the reputation of Thailand by being the material used to make dresses for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of a state visit with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to the United States and Europe in 1960. Using Thai silk for the Queen’s dresses was an important factor in making an impression on host countries, which helped strengthen the relationship between Thailand and Western countries in the Cold War period. However, in the 1970s, the role of Thai silk shifted from supporting state security to supporting “human security” by the SUPPORT Foundation, established by Queen Sirikit, to support Thai farmers in weaving Thai silk, such as ikat silk. This became a part-time job to earn extra income and brought about a better quality of life, although “state security” and “traditional security” were still a major trend of security studies in the Cold War period.
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