Cultural Interactions and the Construction of Structural Relationships in a Multicultural Area between the Yunnan Chinese in Huai Phueng Village and The Tai Yai in Thoet Thai Village, Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

The Yunnan Chinese and the Tai Yai are ethnic groups that commonly settle in close proximity and each possesses its own distinctive culture. This research aims to explore and analyze cultural interactions between the two ethnic groups within the conceptual frameworks of Ethnicity and Cross-Cultural studies. The research sites comprises Huai Phueng Village and Thoet Thai Village in Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. This research adopted a qualitative research design, drawing on primary data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with local residents, complemented by secondary data from relevant journals, books, and other published sources. The findings were subsequently interpreted and presented through descriptive analysis.

This research found that geographical proximity, shared historical memories, continuous co-use of public spaces, and the influential roles of community leaders and local sages are key factors contributing to the formation of ethnicity processes. Both groups use festival activities as mechanisms for fostering social relations. With respect to cross-cultural interaction, they invite one another to their cultural events and reciprocate participation, thereby demonstrating mutual cultural acceptance—for example, by adopting elements of the other group’s ethnic attire during festivals. Such forms of acceptance and adaptation constitute a critical foundation that enables the two groups to coexist peacefully and largely free of conflict.