Kasetsart J. (Soc.

Sci) 33 : 203 - 213 (2012)

. () 33 : 203 - 213 (2555)

Formal Education for Non-Thai or Undocumented

Persons in Thailand amidst the Challenges of Nationalism
and Transnationalism: A Case Study of
Wat Sirimongkhol School, Samut Sakhon Province
*
Kittisak Jermsittiparsert and Aksorn Sawasdee

ABSTRACT
This research aimed to study the dual approach of nationalism and transnationalism in the formal
education system for non-Thai or undocumented persons in Wat Sirimongkhol School, Samut Sakhon
province. The system has been used as a tool to assimilate the role of the race and ethnicity. A qualitative
approach was employed. The results demonstrated that there was some cultural assimilation among alien
students studying at Wat Sirimongkhol School. However, the conscious assimilation of alien students was
still hindered by the short period of the process as well as by transnationalism. Further, the endeavors to
instruct on nationalism and annexation were conversely related to the occurrence of other sentiments present
at the same time. Consequently, group combination and racial assimilation (particularly the identification of
the Thai nationality) were not apparent in the case study.
Keywords: Non-Thai or undocumented persons, nationalism, transnationalism

10900
Doctor of Philosophy Program in Social Sciences, The Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
* Corresponding author, e-mail: finn_ramon@hotmail.com

204

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