Toponymy through Chanthaburi's Local History : A Case Study of Chanthaburi's Khlong Narai Subdistrict, Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research were 1) to study the history of Khlong Narai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province and 2) to investigate how Khlong Narai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province village names were attributed. The qualitative research methods were applied. On-site interviews were employed as research instruments to obtain data, which were analyzed by narrative data analyses. The results revealed that Khlong Narai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province has 14 villages 1) Baan Teen Khao 2) Ban Klong narai 1 3) Ban Klong Narai 2 4) Ban Paniad 5) Ban Sabap 6) Ban Sabap lang 7) Ban Thanonnok 8) Ban Thanonnai 9) Ban Klongmangu 10) Ban Sabap Bon 11) Ban Saladaeng 12) Ban Noensung 13) Ban Khlongtakee and 14) Ban Chaiyan with different and unique characteristics of history pertaining to their individual contexts. Khlong Narai Subdistrict shifting namescape might be resulted from a variety of surroundings and events. Its village names could probably be attributed to 1) myths and history, 2) topography, 3) botanical diversity, 4) buildings and places, 5)occupation in the village, and 6)name of important person. Additionally, Khlong Narai societal conditions and culture were to some extent influenced by its history and toponymy.