Promoting a Positive Shared Future through Transnational Chinese in Thailand: a Case Study of a Self-Styled Sino-Thai Folk Diplomat

This research report argues that the promotion of a positive shared future for all humanity can be accomplished through dual-embedded transnational People’s Republic of China ( PRC ) Chinese social actors who are self-styled Sino-Thai folk diplomats making multiple contributions in countries both of origin and of residence. Conceptually, this research report remedies unilateral state-centric diplomacy, scarcity of intra-Asian Chinese migrant studies, the limited scope of non-state actors, dichotomous categorization of transnational Chinese, and an over-emphasis on exhibitive and pretentious unilateral exports in Chinese foreign policy. Through the research-based case study of a transnational Chinese residing in Bangkok, Thailand, this research report exemplifies the multiple folk contributions to both Thailand and China. As policy considerations, this research report proffers: (1) avoiding the generalization of Chinese transnationals in Southeast Asia; (2) appreciating the growing realm of social actors and their contributions; and (3) applying a sophisticated developmental perspective to domestic governance. Against rising protectionism, xenophobia, and precarious global challenges, this research report advocates a positive shared future for all humanity through the lens of Sino-Thai folk diplomacy.