Third-Party Roles in Thailand’s Hijab Ban Conflict: A Case Study of a School

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Sawinant Karlken
Duanghathai Buranajaroenkij
Amporn Marddent
Padtheera Narkurairattana

Abstract

          This qualitative research examines the conflict over the prohibition of wearing the hijab in schools by analyzing existing documents and relevant studies and conducting in-depth interviews with two third-party organizations involved in the conflict: the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) and the Muslim for Peace Foundation. The study explores the perspectives and roles of third parties in the dynamics of the conflict, employing the concepts of third-party interventions and the Interest/Rights/Power (IRP) concept as the analytical framework. The findings reveal that third-party interventions in the hijab conflict among students manifest in two primary forms: The first form is facilitating dialogue and communication. The third parties played a role in listening and creating spaces for communication.  The second form is balancing power dynamics. The third parties sought to support the less empowered side in the conflict.  The study highlights the complexity of conflict management, influenced partly by the power imbalance between the disputing parties and differing attitudes toward human rights principles. This research underscores the importance of a third-party comprehensive understanding of the conflict in relation to its social and cultural context and the power dynamics among the involved actors. Furthermore, raising awareness about human rights and fostering societal acceptance of diversity and multiculturalism can contribute to more effective implementation of related regulations and laws, ultimately promoting peaceful coexistence.

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Research Article

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