สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume II - 2010 Towards A Culture of Peace in Thai Society 20 diversity “The defence of cultural diversity is an ethical imperative, inseparable from respect for human dignity. It implies a commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the rights of persons belonging to minorities and those of indigenous peoples. No one may invoke cultural diversity to infringe upon human rights guaranteed by international law, nor to limit their scope.” The Declaration strongly endorses positions that enhance appreciating cultural diversity as a positive contribution towards non-violence and peace. UNESCO calls for the Declaration’s “effective application” as a way to assist vulnerable groups, as well as preserving the cultural wealth of the world. “In our increasingly diverse societies, it is essential to ensure harmonious interaction among people and groups with plural, varied and dynamic cultural identities as well as their willingness to live together. Policies for the inclusion and participation of all citizens are guarantees of social cohesion, the vitality of civil society and peace. Thus defined, cultural pluralism gives policy expression to the reality of cultural diversity. Indissociable from a democratic framework, cultural pluralism is conducive to cultural exchange and to the flourishing of creative capacities that sustain public life.” Article 2 – From cultural diversity to cultural pluralism Raising awareness of the need to embrace diverse ethnic Thais into the fold of Thai society and to endorse its relevance and the benefits of accepting such individuals into the fold is paramount to eliminating any opportunities for distrust and anger to grow. This may not come easily to people, as long as their own children are ‘held down’ and kept ‘silent’; granting a ‘voice’, ‘free choice’, and ‘equality’ to others, particularly to strangers, will no doubt seem a far-fetched idea to traditional Thais. Tasks Ahead Dispensing appropriate parenting and life-skills, demonstrating rational decision making, as well as mediation techniques, need to be instilled, especially, into the younger generation so as to • Counter the constant fear of offending others or of losing one’s face, pervades any contact or communication. Demonstrate how to express one’s opinion freely while respecting and appreciating that of others. • Urgently equip schools (qua curricula and teachers’ training) to teach skills