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Reconsidering the interpretation of WWII shared-heritage in Thailand

Tiamsoon Sirisrisak (Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand)

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development

ISSN: 2044-1266

Article publication date: 18 May 2015

315

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find a different perspective of interpreting a Second World War shared-heritage based on the case in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted at the Second World War sites in Thailand. The paper employed observation and interview of the local residents and other stakeholders at the site.

Findings

Conventional interpretation of the Second World War sites in Thailand predominantly focusses on two approaches with a little involvement of the local residents. One emphasizes cruelty, loss, torture, or inhumanity with strong influence of the Australian approach. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, such interpretation could point out the culprit and gives audiences enmity against the loser of the war. Another politically underscores a strong connection between Thailand and Japan by presenting romanticized stories of wartime. The paper suggests that the way to bring Second World War shared-heritage site to life is to put an emphasis on the voice of the local residents rather than focussing on political agenda.

Practical implications

The argument and recommendation raised in this paper will be particularly useful for the local residents and those who are involved in heritage management field. It would contribute to the better understanding and respect among people with different cultural backgrounds.

Originality/value

The paper is the first study of a different view of the interpretation of Second World War shared-heritage. The argument raised in the paper would lead to a wider discussion among heritage professionals.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This paper is written based on the result of the research project: “Interpretation of the Second World War shared-heritage at Nakhonnayok,” funded by The Sumitomo Foundation. The author is indebted to all key informants including the lecturers at CRMA and the officers at Kao Phra District administrative office who participated so willingly in this research. The author also thanks Ms Pattyaraj Thamwongsa and Ms Sumonchate Saengnark for assistance in data collection.

Citation

Sirisrisak, T. (2015), "Reconsidering the interpretation of WWII shared-heritage in Thailand", Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 30-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-07-2013-0031

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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