สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume II - 2010 Sobha Spielmann 19 directly at reverting and reducing friction or conflict via media, government officials and core multipliers. Traditionally, the local population has not been granted a say in matters of local administration (‘withholding’). This position could be sustained over a great stretch of time via supportive policies, as well as ideology and or a controlling force. This also meant to keep the lid on emancipation attempts and probably has resulted in ‘withdrawing’ on the part of those thus sidelined. However, it could be an altogether different proposition when taking back some form of ‘freedom’ rights or ‘independence’ once granted. Such set-backs would more likely antagonize, even incense, those who had believed they had been ‘set free’, accorded some degree of personal ‘freedom’. They could be even more offended when observing double standards at play and would probably come to realize their disadvantage. Embracing Diversity In our modern world with its streams of migrants and large-scale immigration few states are homogeneous. Practically all Asian countries are home to ethnic and or religious minorities, so is Thailand. Thai society has now arrived at a crucial juncture and needs to come to terms with the fact that up to ten per cent of its citizens are neither ethnic Thai nor Buddhist. Not all of those may share all the world views, values and positions of the majority population which could lead to an inherent danger of polarization. Present-day Thai society is culturally diverse. Over the centuries, Thailand has accepted many immigrants with different backgrounds. Such diversity has benefited the country in the past; although this fact still needs official acknowledgment. According to the United Nations, minorities should not be forced to give up their traditions. Specifically the problems in the South highlight the fact that the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity is of utmost relevance: “culture should be regarded as the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of a society or a social group, and that it encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs”. It is relevant to “identity, social cohesion, and the development of a knowledge-based economy”. Hence, “respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue and cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust and understanding, are among the best guarantees of international peace and security.” Greater solidarity can be achieved “on the basis of recognition of cultural diversity”. (all taken from the Preamble) . Article 4 – Human rights as guarantees of cultural