GUIDELINE FOR COMMUNICATING RAMTONE NOKPHITHID TO CONSERVE AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY TOURISM

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the history, beliefs and current situation of Ramtone Nokphithid and to find ways to communicate this folk play for conservation and promotion of tourism. The researchers used qualitative research method by using an interview form to interview key informants with snow ball sampling and do focus group of community leaders, tourism community enterprises and Ramtone Nokphithid local scholars. The result showed that Ramtone Nokphithid came from the central region during period of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram during World War II. Ramtone Nokphithid was used the tool for entertainment among poor economics and also during the political conflict period. This folk play was disseminated from the city to Krung Ching Subdistrict. Then, local scholar invented songs and lyrics in hundreds of songs based on the nature and way of life of people there. The dance is consistent with the lyrics. The lyrics are short. The Nokphithid song (Nokphithid is similar to owl) has funny posture and lyric. It looks like the courtship between male and female Nokphithid. Therefore, it is performed in every event and is named "Ramtone Nokphithid". The music consists of 3 instruments; drum (Tone in Thai), small cup-shaped cymbals and cymbals. For the belief, the performers are very reliable for “Wai Khru” (paying respect to teacher) before every performance which is similar to the Manohra folk play and they believe in the inheritance of the folk play from the same family or relatives which is similar to the Manora folk play. For the current situation, there is only the elderly group, consequently, they need young people to continue this performance. The elders are willing to train the youths. In the past, there were training in the school both from teachers in the school and from the local scholars. However, when students moved to other schools for further study, they did not practice folk play continuously. However, Krung Ching Subdistrict Administrative Organization and the Culture department of Nopphitam District aware of this importance and try to promote in order to publicize this folk play to be known. For communication guideline of this folklore to conserve and promote community tourism, most important key informants agreed to use online communication as a video clip to publicize media, establish learning center and create pamphlet to do public relations. In addition, there should be also a stage or area of expression for youth to build confidence and pride in the conservation and continuation of their Ramtone Nokphithid folklore.