The Concept of Nationalism in Thai History Textbooks at the Junior High School Level in Accordance with the Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551

Abstract

     The academic paper called “The Concept of Nationalism in Thai History Textbooks at the Junior High School Level in Accordance with the Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551” was written to examine into the idea of nationalism in Thai history textbooks and how it relates to the content of those textbooks, following the Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551. It does this through data analysis, in-depth interviews, data interpretation from documents, and other research. The results of the study found that (1) the concept of nationalism appears in lower secondary level Thai history textbooks, emphasizing the monarchy from the Sukhothai period to the Kosin period and the development and change of the Thai nation, especially the reflection of the status of the monarchy according to the concept of royal nationalism and ethno-historicalism in the form of praising the greatness of the nation over other countries, including being an independent nation that was not colonized by colonialism, and (2) the relationship between the content of lower secondary level history textbooks and the concept of nationalism. Four ideas were found through the analysis: liberal nationalism, conservative nationalism, expansionist nationalism, and anti-colonial nationalism. These ideas show how people are trying to teach learners patriotism, ideas, and pride. Through the transmission of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes through the process of teaching Thai history that promotes critical thinking in the 21st century.