“Ideals and value systems” of local communities in the Southern region during 2460 – 2490 B.E. : A case study of local Southern Niras (journey poetry)

Abstract

The objective of this research is to examine and analyze ideals and value systems reflected in local Niras, i.e., narratives of journeys composed in the form of epistle to poets’ loved ones, native to the Southern region of Thailand from 2460 to 2490 B.E. The methodology relies on the historical approach of various pieces of Niras, which serve as the main focus of the study, together with other historical document and evidence complementary to the elucidation of the formation of these ideals and value systems. The findings show that influence and transformation of the central government (Bangkok) in economic, social, and political aspects during the years 2460 – 2490 B.E. were responsible for the rise of new ideals in local communities of the South; new value systems were subsequently established to accommodate the changes. These ideologies were evidently ingrained in local Southern Niras. Ideals and value systems of local communities in the Southern region during 2460 – 2490 B.E. depicted in the Niras were strictly based on economic, social, and political context and conceptions of the central government, particularly nationalism (Thainess), capitalism, and modern education, all of which were eventually assimilated into Southern locals’ lifestyles. Hence, ideals and value systems were demonstrated on individual, local, national and religious level to satisfy such social criteria as personal responsibility, social status, occupation, and social respect; prominent ideals and value systems generally regard excellence in femininity, motherhood, wifehood, manhood, working as civil servants, monkhood, citizenship, and being Buddhists.