The Processes of Meaning and Interaction of Khmer Ethnic Groups in Phanom Dong Rak Border Area

Abstract

              This article is a part of the research on the processes of meaning, interaction and development of a management model on a special area in the Phanom Dong Rak border area. The objective of this research was to study the meaning of Khmer ethnic groups living in the Thai-Cambodian border area, Phanom Dong Rak mountain range. This was qualitative research, collecting data from border villagers, including Ban Phum Sarol, Sisaket Province, Ban Dan and Ban Nong Khanna, Surin Province. Methodology on anthropology and concept of ethnicity, borders and transnational social space. The results found that the Khmer ethnic group settled and lived for a long time. They have defined their own names as "Khmaer", but they have been defined both by other ethnic groups and Thai state, including Khamen, Thai-Khmer, Khamen Pa Dong, the people of the South Isan, Thai people of Khmer descent and marginalized people. Ethnicity is one of the methods used in border relations. The Thai state manages the border area under being on “Thai of Khmer descent”. The process of identifying ethnic groups living in border areas with different states. The state gives meaning based on the border between Thailand and Cambodia. For example, Khmer in Thailand, the state means being Thai, while Khmer in Cambodia, Thai means Cambodian. But the Khmer ethnic group also refers to the Khmer people. This meaning was effects on the management in the border area of the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range. This research was one of the information presented as a guideline for the management of the Thai-Cambodia border area to the relevant agencies for the development of the Thai-Cambodia border.