Author(s)

B. Aneksuk & A. Ruangkamnerd

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the characteristics of the original Boon Kam Fa tradition conducted by the Phuan Ethnic Group in Thailand. It also aims to study the origin, existence, and change of the tradition in the context of the tourism industry in Thailand. The data in this qualitative research was gained through document study, observation, and interviews in several areas, namely Hat Siao village, Tam Bon Hat Siao, Amphoe Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai Province; Amphoe Phrom Buri, Sing Buri Province; and Tam Bon Ban Phue, Amphoe Ban Phue, Udon Thani Province. Such data collection was carried out through the perspectives of identity, tradition invention, and ethnic and cultural tourism. The results of this study indicate that a great deal of the history of struggle and migration of the Phuan Ethnic Group is found in Lao PDR’s myth and chronicles. In fact, the latest migration of the Phuan Ethnic Group to Thailand was in the reign of King Rama V. Phuan Ethnic Groups distributed themselves to different provinces, such as Sukhothai, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, and Udon Thani. As a matter of fact, they still adhere to Boon Kam Fa as one of their ethnic group traditions, which is used as a tourism activity nowadays. For Hat Siao village, Tam Bon Hat Siao, Amphoe Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai Province, the Boon Kam Fa tradition has been in the process of development to a tourism activity. The meaning of the tradition is a holiday for Phuan women to have time out from looming. The activities in the tradition include making Khao Khong dessert, Lam Phuan and Nang Kwak entertaining activities.

Keywords

dynamic, Boon Kam Fa tradition, Phuan Ethnic Group, tourism, identity