The Economic Nationalism of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram and Educational Institutionism Forming in Uthenthawai Building School

Abstract

This research aims to study how the values of “Educational Institutionism” in Uthenthawai Building School arose. The study was conducted using qualitative research methods, using historical research through historical document research as a tool for the study. The study’s findings indicate that the formation of these values arose from the implementation of economic nationalism policies during the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, aimed at reducing Chinese influence in the economy. This policy also affected labor policies with an economic nationalism agenda, specifically to exclude Chinese people. For instance, laws were passed to restrict certain professions to Thai nationals only. In the case of the construction profession, where the Chinese had significant influence, direct legislation to reserve the profession for Thais could have negatively impacted economic development. Therefore, the government used the approach of instilling a sense of unity among construction workers, gradually promoting construction work as a profession for Thais. At that time, the only institution producing construction workers was Uthenthawai Building School, which was instilled with a sense of love for peers, love for the construction profession, and love for the school and its identity. These values, thus, became part of the institutional values that remain in place today.