Beijin’s Business Association Thailand: Socio-cultural Roles on Thai Society

Abstract

This research aimed to study the socio-cultural roles of Beijing’s business association in Thailand using qualitative research methods. Field data collection was semi-structured interview in this study. The 38 key informants were Chinese and Thai-Chinese who have worked as board, members, and staff of the association. The results indicated that the association has been established recently. There are, it was new. Mandarin was used as an official language. It has been established for local Beijing’s businessmen specifically therefore its enterprises were different from the others. Although it has just been established it was recognized and supported by a consortium of companies, government organizations of the two countries. Besides serving on investment to its members, the association provided support to the society in term of socio-cultural activities. Beijing was a cultural hub of China. Therefore, a group of Chinese actresses were invited from every province in China to perform in Thailand. Chinese singing contest for the young generation was an example for the exchange socio-cultural activity. The association encouraged promotion of trade between the two countries and strengthened the relationship and mutual understanding between the citizens of both countries. It was beneficial for Thailand - China relations now and in the future.