재태한인의 특성과 태국에 대한 인식

Abstract

This research analyzes demographic characteristics, socio - economiccharacteristics, language ability, national pride, perceptions of Thaipeople and Thailand of Koreans in Thailand. This research was written based on findings from a sample of 458respondents who were selected from the population of Bangkok, with astandard deviation of ±4.6 p at 95% confidence level. The data collectionwas conducted from August to October 2013, spanning over 90 days. Because of the limited nature of this survey, it may not be fully applicableto the entire Koreans in Thai society. Analyses included an overallfrequencies analysis as well as chi-square analyses using variables such asgender, income and age. I propose three suggestions from this research. The first suggestion is the need to open free lecture for the lowerincome groups who do not possess a good Thai language ability. Thehigher income groups could speak Thai more fluently (23.95%) incontrast with the lower income groups(10.35%). However, the rate ofpositive perceptions for having a mind to learn(very much and much) was higher for lower income groups(low, lower-middle, 81.45%) in contrastwith the higher income groups(64.6%). Language is the vital instrument to live a successful life abroad. So Isuggest that Korean Embassy in Thailand or Korean Cultural Center inThailand or the Korean Association in Thailand should open free lecturesfor the lower income groups who do not possess a good Thai languageability. The second suggestion is the need to develop the program for reducingthe income gap. Respondents above middle income groups comprised of73.8% of the total sample population, and the lower income groups madeup 26.2%. Economic disparity among the respondents can cause somesocial disharmony. In this regard, I suggest that Korea governmentdevelop the program to reduce the economic disparity or support forsettlement for social harmony. The third suggestion is the need to provide systematic educational andcultural programs to better understand Thai culture and Thai people. 81.7% of the respondents strongly agreed or agreed to the statement “Ilike Korean?”, while 54.5% among the respondents expressedpositivity(strongly agree, agree)towards the statement “I am favorable toThailand.” While Koreans take pride in their own national pride overall,their perception of the Thai is lacking. In this regard, I suggest that Korean government provide systematiceducational and cultural programs to better understand Thai culture andThai people to raise the awareness.