Transferring culture, wisdom, and cultural tourism in a multicultural society: Tai Yai community in the Thai– Burma border area

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1. verify the accuracy of secondary data on Tai Yai culture within the multicultural society along the Thai– Burma border, 2. compile resources for tourism information specific  to Tha Sai Luat Subdistrict in  Mae Sot District, Tak Province, 3. creatively transmit and disseminate Tai Yai culture, and 4. develop cultural products that reflect  the identity of the community. The study employed field research and qualitative research approaches, engaging a total of 119 key informants. Research instruments included forms for conducting focus group discussions, recording location coordinate, and mapping cultural tourism.  Field data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, while focus group data underwent content analysis. The findings indicated that: 1. the secondary data on Tai Yai culture, encompassing  nine aspects namely language, food, clothing, handicrafts, traditions, rituals, performing arts, musical instruments, and beliefs was accurate and consistent with the actual community context, despite  adaptations  in response to modern multicultural society, 2. cultural tourism information for Tha Sai Luat subdistrict was compiled, which includes 10 tourism video clips, 9 clips featuring  Tai Yai cultural information, and 1 cultural tourism map, 3. cultural transmission and dissemination occurred  through five channels, including  the Tai New Year Festival, a dedicated website, Facebook, YouTube, and a cultural map, and 4. creative cultural products have been  developed, such as  headscarves, brooches, and keychains. These items act as prototypes of creative cultural goods and embody a body of knowledge in cultural production that distinctly reflects the community’s identity.