Constructing Local Histories and Narratives about Japanese Soldiers: The Thai–Japan Friendship Memorial Hall in Northwestern Thailand

Abstract

This study explores local histories in Thailand, often viewed as subordinate to the national narrative. It focuses on a community museum in northwestern Thailand, along a retreat route used by Japanese soldiers during World War II. The museum’s creation was influenced by domestic factors, such as the rise of community museums, as well as foreign ones, including Japanese post-war memorial activities. Initially centered on artifacts left by Japanese soldiers, the exhibitions evolved to highlight local histories and cultures, reflecting growing local identity. By tracing this transformation, the study reveals how narratives about Japanese soldiers were woven into local historical consciousness. Ultimately, it proposes an alternative model of local history rooted in the distinct experiences of border regions that are neither compliant with nor overtly resistant to national ideology.