VOV:
Ms Thin, your book is possibly the most detailed book on overseas Vietnamese (Viet kieu) in Thailand and the two countries’ relationship over the past century. It seems that you had developed the idea for the book long before finally putting pen to paper?Ms Thin: Writers can write on overseas Vietnamese from various angles and in different forms such as an introduction, a memoir or a diary, but there had been no book on this specific topic. My book covers the process of the formation of the Vietnamese community in Thailand from the 17th century to the 20th century with a focus on Vietnamese living in northwestern Thailand. My colleagues and I had nurtured the idea of writing such a book for ages. I am a member of the Vietnamese community in Thailand, and I love it very much. I consider the book a gift for Viet kieu.
VOV: What do you find the most remarkable about the Vietnamese community in Thailand?
Ms Thin: That’s the preservation of Vietnamese national identities in Thailand. As a researcher of the Vietnamese community for many years, I have seen their deep attachment to the native land, which comes from their descent and solidarity. In cultural exchanges among the Vietnamese and between them and native Thai people, the Vietnamese have always identified themselves as Vietnamese by means of business practices, traditional jobs and the mother tongue preservation. I can affirm that they have also tried to become useful to the country of Vietnam by making contributions to its politics, economy and diplomacy.
VOV: Ms Thin, what national identities are the most valued by Viet kieu in Thailand, especially in the context of today’s rapidly changing world?
Ms Thin: They treasure the mother tongue and speak it everywhere and as often as possible. They have educated their children to learn and preserve the Vietnamese language.
VOV: What about the role of the Vietnamese community in Thailand’s society?
Ms Thin: The position of Vietnamese people in Thailand has been increasingly enhanced together with the two countries’ improved cooperative relations. In recent years, Vietnamese in Thailand have made significant contributions to the local economy, which is recognized by Thais themselves. Vietnam’s culinary art has also become popular in many places across the country.
VOV: So what do Viet kieu within the Thai community wish for?
Ms Thin: Vietnamese living in Thailand have a lot of wishes concerning the Vietnamese and Thai Governments, but their greatest desire at the moment is to be naturalized as Thais or receive identity cards to facilitate their business activities. The Thai Government has made policies to grant Vietnamese with Thai citizenship or identity cards but there remains a lot of work to be done in future. A great many Vietnamese evacuated to Thailand when the First Indochina War broke out in 1946. The Vietnamese community experienced an especially hard time from 1947 to 1953 as they were localized and did business in only five or eight provinces of Thailand. Only with Thai citizenship could they travel, learn, and do business easily.
VOV: You mentioned that the book needs further supplementation. What would you add if you continue writing about the Vietnamese community in Thailand?
Ms Thin: In terms of history, I am completely confident that no book of this kind is more detailed than mine. I am a member of the Vietnamese community in Thailand and a researcher of the Vietnamese and Thai cultures, so I can assure the reliability of historical material in the book. With regard to economy, I admit that the book has not fully featured the role of Vietnamese inhabitants here. I hope that later researchers will enlarge on this aspect.
VOV: Thank you very much!
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