พลวัตของ “คนสองน้ำ” กับการเปลี่ยนแปลงเศรษฐกิจของจังหวัดระนอง พ.ศ. 2500 ถึง พ.ศ. 2560

Abstract

The dynamics of "Khon Song Nam" and the economic changes in Ranong Province between 1957 and 2017 can be studied in order to understand the potential of the negotiation process, accessibility, and economic benefits that people around the border, particularly "Khon Song Nam," under the complex changes at each period of time could grasp. Being "Khon Song Nam" in the meantime, which was still connected to the state's citizens, was greatly expanded and varied in order to serve as a conduit for fresh opportunities for newcomers to enter the economic system. In other words, "Khon Song Nam" were residents of the area near the Ranong border. They spoke both Thai and Burmese because of the way they lived, crossing the border between Thailand and Myanmar to conduct business. At the end of the 2490s B.E., "Khon Song Nam"'s first generation debuted. Since Myanmar was experiencing political problems, which led to a shortage of consumer goods and the construction of the Phetkasem Road from Bangkok to Ranong, which improved transportation convenience and reduced costs, the businesses of the first generation expanded quickly during the decades between 2500 and 2520 B.E. The first generation of "Khon Song Nam" in Myanmar relied on their consanguinity or close connection with Chinese until they could amass their wealth. Some of them were of Burmese and Thai descents. Later, the first generation's "Khon Song Nam" became Ranong's aristocratic class. The second generation of "Khon Song Nam" developed between the years 2530 and 2540 B.E. when the fishing industry was depleted as a result of the Burmese government's open access fishery policy and some groups of people with Thai or Burmese nationalities recognized prospects for legitimate economic gains. As a result, several Ranong people married Thai-Burmese individuals and became "Khon Song Nam" with two nationalities. A legislative amendment was made to the definition of "Khon Song Nam" such that it now refers to a status of Burmese citizens. They were highly successful in the fishery industry since they had two nationalities. The changes persisted until the third generation of "Khon Song Nam" was born at the start of the 2550s B.E., and they included the ongoing expansion of the fishing industry and business, which led to an increase in the migration of Burmese laborers to Ranong. While some people in Ranong changed their identities and wed Burmese people because they realized there were better business opportunities in Myanmar, some Burmese laborers also wed Thai people in order to more easily obtain legal status for their employment and businesses in Ranong. As a result, the cultural connotation of "Khon Song Nam" evolved from being people from both sides of the border who were cousins or family to being citizens of both countries in order to access and benefits from the economy.