Nationalist Ideology in National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force

Abstract

The aim of this academic article is to examine the exhibition methods and content used by the National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force to foster nationalist ideology. It examines the museum's role in promoting nationalism using Althusser's ideology framework, combined with concepts of nationalism and museum studies.

The findings indicate that the National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force. presents the main aspects of Thai nationalism—nation, religion, and monarchy—through exhibitions on the history of aviation in Thailand, the development of the Royal Thai Air Force, and its missions from the past to the present. The museum employs Althusser's ideological mechanisms such as reproduction, naturalization, a mix of reality and imagination, and the creation of binary relationships. These are supplemented by artifacts representing air power, such as aircraft and illustrations, and elements like color schemes that evoke the Royal Thai Air Force to instill patriotism, which is consistent with the role of military museums in promoting nationalist ideology.

However, the presentation lacks engagement between the Royal Thai Air Force and the public. The storytelling methods fail to connect the social context of different eras with significant Air Force events, providing only factual information. This makes it difficult for visitors to synthesize the information to gain a deeper understanding. Additionally, the elements that should evoke emotional engagement, such as lighting, color, and sound, do not effectively enhance the narrative's emotional impact.