The Transition of Ethnic Identity in Christian Ulak Lawoi of Lanta Island, Krabi Thailand after Tsunami Catastrophe in 2004

Abstract

This article examines how the identity of the Ulak Lawoi ethnic group is defined after the 2004 tsunami disaster under the influence of changing religious beliefs. The presence of the Christian organization plays a crucial role in social and cultural changes among Ulak Lawoi ethnic in Lanta Island, Krabi. Even though their ethnic identity of animistic belief is insistently important. The social and cultural transformation as a result of the 2004 tsunami is a phenomenon that reflects the reduction of the role of traditional religion and shamans (To Moh), the spiritual leaders in the community. The reshaping of beliefs was molded by new social and cultural waves that come with support from the Christians organization, which resulted in the religious alteration. From a preliminary study, the researcher found out that a small group of Ulak Lawoi in the Sang Kha Ou community started to have different religious views. However, they still define themselves and others in the community who share the ethnic identity with different religious views as “Lu Moh Lawoi” or “We are Urak Lawoi.”