THE STATUS OF RESEARCH ON THE EASTERN FOLK LITERATURE SINCE 1967 - 2024

Abstract

This study synthesizes research works utilizing local literature from seven provinces in Thailand’s Eastern region—Sa Kaeo, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat—as their data sources. The studied works include master's theses, doctoral dissertations, research articles, and full research papers published between 1967 and 2024, drawn from electronic databases such as the Thai Library Integrated System (ThaiLIS), the Thai National Research Repository, and various university archives. The exploration found 51 works from 13 institutions, including Srinakharinwirot University, Bangsaen Campus or Burapha University, Chulalongkorn University, Srinakharinwirot University, Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, Silpakorn University, Mahidol University, Kasetsart University, Ramkhamhaeng University, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University, Indiana University, and the Department of Cultural Promotion. The research spans multiple disciplines, including Thai language, Thai epigraphy, Thai studies, curriculum and instruction, folklore, secondary education, development studies, cultural studies, ethnomusicology, using Thai as a second language, Thai teaching, and research papers. Common research themes include analysis of social issues, literary elements, genre classification, manuscript transliteration, literature roles, historical studies, comparative studies, experimental research, and literature transmission, development, application, and advancement. This synthesis offers an overview of the status of research on local Eastern literature, which supports future efforts to conserve and advance local literary knowledge.