Conditions Facilitating Cross-Cultural Collaboration for Inclusive Cultural Heritage Preservation in Thailand’s Southern Border Region: Evidence from Narathiwat Province

Narathiwat Province, in Thailand’s southern border region, is a multicultural society with distinctive cultural heritage. Although cultural conflict has weakened cooperation in heritage preservation, some communities have successfully collaborated across ethnic boundaries to preserve the cultural heritage of all groups equally. This study examined the conditions that facilitate cross-cultural collaboration for inclusive cultural heritage preservation in Narathiwat Province. A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observation with 30 purposively selected key informants representing three ethnic groups—Thai Siamese, Thai Chinese, and Malay Muslim Thais—from three culturally diverse communities. Data credibility was ensured through triangulation, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings identified four conditions: (1) fostering mutual understanding and trust between government officials and local communities, and among people from different religious and cultural backgrounds; (2) creating shared spaces for cultural heritage learning through equal representation, joint planning, neutral venues, and respect for Islamic principles; (3) all groups recognizing the shared benefits of heritage preservation, including moral development, experiential learning, and income generation; and (4) promoting diverse cultural heritage through online media. These conditions strengthen social cohesion by fostering mutual trust, equitable participation, and shared ownership of cultural heritage.