The Conservation of Folk Play “Ram Thon” in Ban Pa-Daeng, Pa Lao Sub-district, Mueang District, Phetchabun

Abstract

            The purpose of this research was to study the history and development of folk regional performance “Ram Thon” and guidelines for the conservation of folk regional performance “Ram Thon” in Ban Pa-Daeng. By using qualitative research regulations in education and collecting in-depth interview data. Participate in the observation at every step of the “Ram Tone” Ban Pa-Daeng.

            The research found that “Ram Thon” in Ban Pa-Daeng had through a process of change according to the economic, social and living conditions determined by government policies from the past to present passed the time loop for 3 periods. In the era of the founding of the community dance performances were still important to the way of life of worship and respect for sacred things in the village and then when entering the era of change under the administration of the country by Field Marshal Por Phibunsongkhram, the traditional folk culture was seen as ancient and obsolete, thus resulting in national-building policies and the cultural revolution. This caused the change from "Ram Thon" to "Rum Wong Madtratan” (Standard Thai Dance) for internationalization. In the present era, when the media and technology affect the village, there was a rapid exchange of attitudes from the outside society, causing the "Ram Thon" in this era to lack inheritance from the village. There were only a few elders who had preserved this folk regional performance. But most of them were kept in memory, conveyed by narratives. In order to preserve the heritage of folk wisdom, "Ram thon" had been listed as a national cultural heritage. Conservation approaches based on economic, social factors and government policies. Therefore, it had become an important factor in the duty of preserving the cultural roots for social creation along with sustainable economic development of the community.