THE LIFESTYLE CONTEXT OF THAI SONG DAM PEOPLE IN SURAT THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

Introduction: The research article of the lifestyle context of Thai Song Dam people in Surat Thani province. Objective: The research purpose was to study the lifestyle context of the Thai Song Dam community in Surat Thani province. Methods: The key informants consisted of the community leaders and the local wisdom experts. The sampling group was 10 Thai Song Dam people in Ban Nasan district and Ban Don Mali in Phunphin district, Surat Thani province. The data were collected by using both the in-depth interview and the observation of key informants. Results: social factors reflected the way of life of the Thai Song Dam people in Surat Thani province in various aspects, such as settlements, social classes, housing, occupations, food, beliefs, language, and education. Cultural preservation was the role of passing down beliefs through ritual performance, ancestor worship, traditional clothing, language, and the formation of ethnic group identity. The social and cultural context exhibited unique characteristics. For instance, in terms of settlement, they preferred to establish communities near river basins. Social class divisions were minimal, and their housing blended harmoniously with the local population while still maintaining distinctive Thai Song Dam architectural features. Their occupations primarily included rice farming, gardening, and cultivating economic crops. Their diet was simple, relying on locally available ingredients. Additionally, there was a belief in traditional ancestral culture, and they played an active role in education, leading to the development of Thai Dam language curricula. Moreover, economic factors generated income from the development of Thai Song Dam products, while historical factors contributed to the inheritance, preservation, and revitalization of traditions.