Thai Social Problems through the Lens of the Humanities

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the problems of inequality, identity, and human dignity in contemporary Thai society through a humanities-oriented framework that incorporates humanist philosophy, cultural studies, and identity theory. The central research question is: How can the humanities contribute to restoring human dignity in Thailand? The study applies a mixed-method approach that combines theoretical document analysis with ethnographic vignettes reflecting the lived experiences of marginalized communities in both urban and rural contexts. The findings reveal that economic and class inequality remain the structural foundation of social disparities. Education, instead of bridging such gaps, reproduces cultural and social capital that favors the middle and upper classes. Moreover, the urban–rural divide creates a dynamic in which many people live “between two worlds,” unable to fully access urban resources while also being distanced from their local roots. At the same time, consumerist values and the expansion of digital media have generated a crisis of meaning and fragile virtual identities, contributing to widespread mental health issues. Meanwhile, the traditional role of religion and customary practices as mechanisms of social healing has been commodified within the globalized market economy. Nevertheless, the humanities provide multiple pathways for healing and transformation. Artistic and literary practices create spaces for reflection, empathy, and collective understanding. These approaches highlight that addressing the crisis of human dignity in Thailand requires not only structural reform but also cultural and existential renewal.