Guidelines for Strengthening Cultural Identity based on Integrated Buddhism of the Tai Lue ethnic group, Mae Tha District, Lampang Province แนวทางการเสริมสร้างอัตลักษณ์ทางวัฒนธรรมเชิงพุทธบูรณาการ ของกลุ่มชาติพันธุ์ไทลื้อ อำเภอแม่ทะ จังหวัดลำปาง

Abstract

This research has a qualitative research design using the concepts of identity, social and cultural theories, globalization, coexistence, Tai Lue ethnic groups, and local context as the research framework. The research area is the Tai Lue ethnic group in Mae Tha District, Lampang Province. There are 20 key informant target groups and 6 focus group discussions using a specific key informant selection technique. In-depth interviews are used as the research tool. Content data analysis and descriptive data presentation are presented. The research results found that:
1. Tai Lue migrated from Xishuangbanna, China, to settle in northern Thailand. They possess a distinctive identity through their way of life, beliefs, and language. They currently face challenges in passing this cultural heritage on to the next generation, with community and government cooperation for its preservation.
2. Tai Lue in Mae Tha District, Lampang Province, have strengthened their cultural identity by combining traditional ways of life, beliefs in ancestral spirits, with Buddhist principles. They have adapted to the modern era economically and socially, with support from many sectors. This enables the preservation of culture and peaceful coexistence.
3. The research proposes a sustainable approach to integrating traditional Tai Lue culture with Buddhist principles, focusing on promoting language and clothing among youth, organizing food festivals, and establishing the Mae Tha Tai Lue Cultural Council, based on various principles, such as the Four Sangkhawatthu and the Four Lay Dhammas, and integrating with all sectors.