Ekaphap
Ekaphap (unity) is a word found in both Thai and Lao languages. Unity and preservation of a distinctive national identity have been important priorities of both the Thai and Lao states. Ekaphap is one of the five major political slogans of the Lao government. The challenge to unity in both the Thai and Lao cases has been the existence of considerable ethnic diversity. Only 52.5 percent of the Lao nation is ethnically lowland Lao. Thailand also has considerable ethnic diversity, though less than that of Laos.
Thailand's leadership has been remarkably successful in creating national unity, primarily through the institution of the monarchy and a uniform, standardized modern educational system, which has required all to learn and use standard Thai, the national language and a unifying factor. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been brilliant in using the institution of the monarchy to create solidarity and unity among all Thais. The king travels to all regions of the country on a regular basis to help build national unity. With the abolition of the Lao monarchy in 1975, Lao unity has been achieved primarily through the promotion of standard Lao language and the institution of the revolutionary party that led the long Lao struggle for political independence.
Further Reading
Barmé, Scott. (1993) Luang Wichit Wathakan and the Creation of a Thai Identity. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.
Ngaosyvathn, Mayoury and Pheuiphanh. (1994) Kith and Kin Politics: The Relationship between Laos and Thailand. Manila, Philippines and Wollongong, Australia: Journal of Contemporary Asia Publishers.
This is the complete article, containing 248 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
