Studying the Singkhon community and culture in Thailand to reflect solidarity on the historical route across the upper Malay peninsula through participatory action research

Abstract

This research studied and analyzed history, culture, and community around the Singkhon border area to create knowledge guidelines for the Thai Singkhon community dwelling along the historical route across the upper Malay peninsula. A participatory action research model was used. The sample populations were the historically connected Dan Singkhon community, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and Tanaosri District, Myeik Province, Myanmar. Data was analyzed from documents, fieldwork, interviews and focus groups to formulate a knowledge prototype for organizing participatory activities to verify information and accuracy of the community knowledge set. Thai Singkhon knowledge was obtained from: 1) a historical timeline; 2) Singkhon community knowledge book; 3) 12-month ceremony calendar; and 4) cultural map.  Results were that the route across the Upper Malay Peninsula was significant for cultural integration and community for 1) trade; 2) missionary education and diplomacy; and 3. military transport. Thai Singkhon people are considered as former Thai citizens who remained in Myanmar due to the British colonial delimitation. They still have relatives living in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand and speak Thai language with a southern accent. Thai Singkhon people continue to preserve Thai traditions, culture, and ceremonies as part of their daily lives, in addition to some external features influenced by Burmese culture, such as costume. Some identities not appearing in Burmese culture, but influenced by Thai culture include Thai household shrines, shadow play, and Nora folk dances. These findings indicate the community  connections and interacations between Thai Singkhon people and their land of origin, regardless of place of domicile.