Japan’s cultural diplomacy in Thailand, 1970s-1980s

Abstract

The thesis was documentary research aimed at studying Japan’s cultural diplomacy in Thailand, and its influence on Thai society. The researcher used mainly Thai documents of the period of study. Finding of the research was concluded from interview with scholar and government officials of that period and statistics from various sources. During the end of 1960s and early 1970s, Thailand, like other ASEAN countries suffered from political and economic intervention by the US and Japan. Imbalance of trade and payment with Japan created the concern of national economic independence. Anti-Japanese sentiment happened all over the world. In Southeast Asia, violent protest against Japanese economic domination occurred in Thailand and Indonesia. In response to the situation, Japan seriously engaged cultural diplomacy. Various forms of human exchange were conducted. Numbers of programs and participants increased steadily. Human exchange was the best method of conveying Japanese culture to the others. At the same time, it created opportunities for Japanese to have access to other cultures. Besides, Cultural grant aid projects were also granted. They contributed directly to Japan’s soft power. By the end of 1980s relationship between Thai and Japanese people was intensified and diversified. Outgrowth of Japan’s cultural diplomacy gave feedback as cooperation among the people themselves in initiating more cultural exchange programs.