Act East Policy and the Politics of the Non-Recognized Thai-Indian Diasporic Community in Thailand

Abstract

The Indian diaspora in Thailand is as ethnically diverse as in any other country. Although a relatively small community, the Indian diaspora has long established its roots, some with their fifth generation now living in Thailand. The community has a solid social and economic standing recognized by the host country but lacks connections with its ethnic roots in the home country. The biggest dilemma faced by the younger generation of the Indian diasporic community is the identity crisis. Regardless of being born and brought up in Thailand and possessing Thai citizenship, they do not get recognition as Thai by their Thai counterparts. However, the integration of Indian diasporic communities and the Act East Policy of the Indian government have increased social and political activities organized by old and new Indian associations. This will likely set a domain to recognize the Thai-Indian diasporic community.