Cultural Capital for the Development of the Chung (Saoch) Ethnic Community in Ban Thung Na, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the context and potential of the community, 2) synthesize cultural capital, and 3) find ways to develop the cultural capital of the Chung ethnic community in Ban Thung Na, Srisawat District, Kanchanaburi Province. The research employed qualitative methods, applying anthropological research and participatory research methods. Data were collected from three targeted groups, totaling 45 individuals. The research findings revealed that the Ban Thung Na community possessed community capital in various dimensions, including basic capital, natural capital, human capital, and cultural capital, which were essential resources for community development. The cultural capital of the Chao Ung ethnic group could be categorized into three main types: 1) cultural capital embedded in the body, such as skills, knowledge, and practices passed down through physical experience, 2) cultural capital institutionalized in the form of rituals and traditions, and 3) cultural capital in the form of tangible objects, which could be utilized to create economic value. There were five ways to utilize cultural capital: (1) using cultural capital for community development, (2) leveraging cultural identity to add economic value, (3) creating learning processes within the community, (4) fostering a sense of local pride, and (5) developing cultural capital into a creative economy. These approaches could help the community fully utilize its cultural resources to create economic opportunities and foster sustainable community development.