From Burmese Immigrants to Thai Citizens: Adaptation through Legal Status, Transnational Buddhism, and Hybrid Cultural Identity in Northern Thailand during the 1890s -1940s จากผู้อพยพชาวพม่า สู่การเป็นพลเมืองไทย: การปรับตัวผ่านสถานะทางกฎหมาย พุทธศาสนาข้ามแดน และอัตลักษณ์ทางวัฒนธรรมลูกผสม ในภาคเหนือของประเทศไทย ช่วงคริสต์ทศวรรษที่ 1890-1940
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Abstract
This research examines and analyses the adaptation of Burmese immigrants in Thai society through political identity from the legal status of British subjects to becoming Thai citizens and cultural identity by bringing transnational Buddhism from Burma, creating a hybrid cultural identity within Northern Thailand (Siam) during the 1890s-1940s. This research employs a historical methodology, utilizing primary and secondary sources in Thai, English, and Burmese, such as archival materials, books, and articles that mentioned about Burmese immigrants who lived in Northern Thailand during that time. It also includes field observation and analysis of Buddhist artifacts that were influenced by Burmese arts within local monasteries across Northern Thailand. Those were patronized by wealthy Burmese teak merchants from diverse ethnic groups migrating from British Burma. It was found that Burmese immigrants who crossed the border to work and eventually settled in Northern Thailand adapted their political identity through legal status in order to receive the legal protection of the extraterritorial rights for the British Burmese subjects living in Thailand. After the extraterritorial rights were abrogated, those Burmese immigrants adapted to Thai legal system by applying for naturalization as a Thai citizen in order to obtain the rights of Thai citizenship. Also, it was social adaptation through cultural identity by utilizing transnational Buddhism from Burma to be hybridized with local culture. This facilitated the creation of a hybrid cultural identity to foster a sense of belonging within local community in Northern Thailand.
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