The Characteristics of Thainess reflected in Thai Cockfighting
Keywords:
cockfighting, fighting cocks, Thainess, gangsterness, play, folk wisdom, beliefAbstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the overall perception of cockfighting in Thai society and the characteristics of Thainess as reflected in Thai cockfighting and fighting cocks using a qualitative research approach. The main informants consisted of 8 cockfighters residing in the Thai provinces of Chonburi and Nakhon Ratchasima. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and integrated with secondary data such as information about fighting cocks in each region of Thailand, rules for different types of cockfighting. It was found that Thai cockfighting has evolved from play in the form of a sport with clear rules and both professional and amateur matches. Thai cockfighting also provides a reflection of the wisdom of the people in each Thai region as seen in the development of different breeds of fighting cocks. The characteristics of Thainess that have been clearly found are: 1) ‘being nakleng’ (gangsterness)—having a character that prioritises integrity, big-heartedness, venturesomeness, dignity, a lack of stinginess,; 2) ‘cockfight wagering as play’ that is based on fun and enjoyment, but also exhibits greater compulsive tendencies than other types of play in general because of the expected benefits involved; and 3) ‘folk wisdom and beliefs’ as reflected in chicken naming, chicken rearing, and development of cockfighting equipment, as well as beliefs resulting from combined beliefs in ghosts and Buddhism.
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