The results of a cooperative comic book to promote understanding of cultural differences between Buddhist and Muslim students in southern Thailand

This study reports on a cooperative project to develop a comic book aimed at enhancing knowledge and understanding of cultural differences between Buddhist and Muslim students in Thailand's three southern border provinces. These provinces, marked by cultural diversity and periodic tensions, have long been challenged by efforts to deepen religious divisions. Within this context, the project sought to foster intercultural awareness through collaborative storytelling. An action research methodology was employed in four stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data collection combined qualitative methods (participant observation and in-depth interviews) with quantitative measures (questionnaires), involving 32 students (16 Buddhists and 16 Muslims) from two high schools in multicultural communities. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-sample t-tests, while qualitative data were examined through descriptive analysis. The results show significant improvements in students' intercultural knowledge and understanding after jointly creating the comic book. Quantitative findings indicated statistically significant gains in intercultural understanding, while qualitative findings revealed three key outcomes: (1) deeper knowledge of cultural differences, (2) broader perspectives on cultural pluralism, and (3) recognition of distinctive aesthetic and cultural features. The study highlights the potential of participatory media creation as a pedagogical tool for intercultural learning. By engaging Buddhist and Muslim students in collaborative storytelling, the project demonstrates how creative educational interventions can strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to long-term peacebuilding in diverse communities.