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HISTORIAN'S CAMPAIGNONLINE PETITION

Thais tepid about changing name back to Siam
ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT

Historian Charnvit Kasetsiri says he has not given up in his bid to change Thailand's name back to Siam, despite a lukewarm public response to the idea. Mr Charnvit launched his campaign online at www.petitiononline.com/siam2007 two weeks ago, seeking public support to have the name Siam restored in the new constitution. Siam was used in the country's first charter in 1932.

About 800 people have signed up in support of the campaign so far.

Last week he sent a letter to several leaders, including the prime minister, the head of the Supreme Court, the National Legislative Assembly and the Constitution Drafting Committee.

Mr Charnvit said Siam was a term that better signifies ethnic and cultural diversity and its use would boost national unity.

The change of the country's name to Thailand in 1939 was made out of ''ethnocentrism'' that was incorrect, factually and historically, he said. There have been a few attempts to change the name back to Siam, including prior to the 1949 and 1968 constitutions.

''Many things were changed by Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram out of racism. For example, Phra Siam Devatiraj was changed to Phra Thai Devatiraj and Siam to Thailand. Surprisingly, our country is the only nation in Asia that uses ''-land'' at the end of its name,'' he said.

He said the campaign has attracted more people from the younger generation.

Mr Charnvit said the old name Siam would help create harmony within Thai society, which comprises people of different ethnic, linguistic and cultural identities. However, he said, he realised the ''Siam not Thailand'' campaign might not bear fruit in the new constitution now being drafted.

''Yet, I will continue to campaign for it and believe the issue will still be the basis for political debate for other charters,'' he said

''After all, the 18th constitution will surely not be the last for this country.''

Bangkok Post