INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COLLABORATION AMONG TAI LUE ETHNIC GROUPS IN GREATER MEKONG SUBREGION: A CASE STUDY ON TAI LUE ETHNIC GROUPS IN THAILAND, LAOS, MYANMAR AND CHINA, CHIANG RAI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the economic, social and cultural relations among Tai Lue ethnic groups in 4 countries, and establish strategic recommendations for the development of international relations and collaboration among Tai Lue ethnic group in 4 countries. The sample group included 4 local wisdom experts from Ban Sanboonrueng village in Thailand, 2 from Ban Kokoi in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, 2 from Ban Poongnanoon in Lao People's Democratic Republic, 2 from Ban Huana in China, and residents of Tai Lue communities in 4 countries. The data was collected from 30 cooperative households from each of the communities. The accidental sampling approach was used. It has been found that;

            The Tai Lue ethnic groups in 4 countries maintain an economic relation through trades among the communities. In the past, the goods were exchanged. It was then developed into border trades of mostly seasonal products such as vegetables, fruits, wild products as well as woven clothes. Today, the goods exchange is not done as frequently, but more online trades are observed.

            The Tai Lue ethnic groups sustain social and cultural relations on an ethnic basis. The relations are established through kinship, marriage, and traditional and cultural networks involving Xishuangbanna-originated spiritual beliefs and genetic inheritance, beliefs about household deity demonstrated through the “house pillar” or “house core” placement, and beliefs about ancestral ghosts. As for the religious aspect, the Tai Lue ethnic groupa in 4 countries are faithful to the Theravada school of buddhism.

            1-year strategic recommendations for the development of international relations and collaboration among Tai Lue ethnic group in 4 countries include 1)Communal engagement encouragement through annual social and civil social gatherings for strengthening the network among Tai Lue communities in those 4 countries and fostering continuous relationship, and 2) Cultural encouragement among Tai Lue youths to develop their creativity and cultural knowledge for innovative cultural sharing in the future. The 3-5 year strategic recommendations include 1) Tai Lue identity awareness development in all 4 countries using modern information technology, 2) Continuous encouragement of Tai Lue cultural heritage and art programs in all 4 countries through similar Tai Lue traditions and identities, and 3) Tai Lue cultural heritage conservation and encouragement through information improvement with documents and Tai Lue cultural heritage list.