The Role of Communication and the Creative Economy in Promoting Peace: A Case Study of Thailand's Deep South

Abstract

This research article aims to study the roles of communication and the creative economy as mechanisms to support the peace process in Thailand’s southern border provinces. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study analyzed data from 20 in-depth interviews and 12 participants in focus group discussions. The findings reveal three key issues that highlight a significant gap between the state-led peace dialogue and the actual needs of the local population: 1) a lack of participation and communication gaps. These factors represent major obstacles to the peace process. Stakeholders perceive the peace process as distant, confined to a limited circle, and lacking genuine public engagement. Furthermore, ineffective state communication contributes to persistent mistrust. 2) the creative economy has the potential to function as a proactive mechanism for cultivating “positive peace.” 3) cultural capital and local identity can strengthen the local economy and contribute to conflict mitigation.

To achieve practical results, this research provides the following policy recommendations: 1) a paradigm shift in conflict resolution from a purely security-led approach to participatory social and economic development. 2) the establishment of concrete participation mechanisms to ensure all stakeholder groups can engage meaningfully. 3) reform of peace communication strategies among relevant state agencies, alongside the promotion of the principles of “peace journalism” among media professionals and communicators, including the cultivation of positive narratives highlighting the region’s cultural and economic potential to reduce prejudice and enhance external understanding; and 4) the systematic promotion of the creative economy and cultural capital.