VIETNAM - THAILAND CULTURAL AND SOCIAL RELATIONS: A VIEW FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CONSTRUCTIVISM

Abstract

There have still been many debates among scholars about the appropriateness of the international relations theory in Asia in general and Southeast Asia in particular. In these theories, Constructivism has emerged as a suitable school for assessing international relations in Southeast Asia when ASEAN is moving towards building an ASEAN community in 2025 and developing an environment with common identities regarding security, politics, economy, and social culture. This paper focuses on analyzing and evaluating Vietnam-Thailand relations concerning social culture from the perspective of Constructivism. Research results reveal that the arguments of Constructivism are suitable to justify Vietnam - Thailand relation in the field of culture and society. Both countries have had changes in common perception and diplomatic ties. Both countries work towards forming common standards and strengthening the solidarity and friendship between two countries based on socio-cultural exchanges to build an ASEAN community.