Trend of Social and Economic Changes through Tha Kham, Ban Tha Khon Yang, Kantharawichai District, Mahasarakham Province from 1845 to 1993

Abstract

This article focuses on the history and significance of Tha Kham (river crossing pier) using interviews and oral history documents. In addition, it focuses on the influence on social change in the Ban Tha Khon Yang community. From the results of the study, it is found that Tha Kham at Ban Tha Khon Yang originated as a natural trench and began to be used in 1845 approximately, after the immigration of the Nyaw people brought by Phra Kham Kon from the city of Khamkerd, Muang Luang Prabang Province and have set up a village at Ban Tha Khon Yang under the government of Kalasin City. It is a pier used to cross the Chi River by a raft in the past before using a bridge later. The service of the raft boat is very much in the business of Mr. Hoi Kham who took people or carried luggage across the Chi River. Tha Kham plays the important roles in the followings: 1) an economic port; 2) the only Chi river crossing in that area; 3) creation of a career and income for people in the community; 4) the crossing for trade and visit each other of people. The body of knowledge from this study indicates that 1) economic: it was the rice trading pier in the past in Chi River area; 2) occupational: it was the creating a career in community and generating income of traditional community; and 3) social community and way of life: it was a pier influenced community of Ban Tha Khon Yang to live by mainly boat traffic.