Thai Muslims : The way of life and world view in life quality development, a case study of Lam Sanun community, Khlong Song sub-district, Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province, Thailand.
Abstract:
The objective of this research is to investigate the roles of Islam on the livelihood, the
livelihood, and life quality development of the Thai Muslim residents at Lam Sanun Community,
Khlong Song, Sub-district Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. Cultural and
anthropological methods were used to collect the data.
The research findings reveal that, firstly, Islam plays a significant role on the livelihood
of the residents in terms of administration and social cohesion, family, occupation, education,
health and diet, recreation, and language and communication. Religious leaders and elderly
people are highly respected. The residents strictly apply Islamic teachings to their daily life.
Secondly, livelihood of the residents was originally of paddy agriculture, depending on natural
resources and the environment. It is now an industrial community and their livelihood has to be
changed according to the current socio-economic environment. Thirdly, their world view in life
quality development is in line with Islamic doctrines, with a focus on self-sufficiency and sharing,
respect to both secular and religious leaders, love and support of the families, and nature
orientation. Education is used to raise the quality of life and technology is for convenience.
Regarding health, there is a lack of awareness on dangers of consuming starchy and fatty foods
during festivals. Recreation is in the form of praising Allah and asking for his blessings. The
residents use Standard Thai for daily communication and Arabic for religious activities. In sum,
their world view in life quality development is generally positive, except on health and diet.
It is recommended from the research findings that concerned agencies use the perspective
of the Lam Sanun Muslim residents for application to other Muslim communities and as a
guideline to solve political violence in the restive South.