“Ban”, Hakka Cultural Continuance and Dynamism Case Study of Modification and Maintenance in Thai Society

Abstract

“Ban” is a type of light food that reflects the distinctive identity and ancient wisdom of the Hakka people. This research article aims to investigate how  "Ban" has changed  and continued to exist in Thai society. The methodology involved document research of relevant studies and field data collection, focusing on the Hakka communities in the deep south of Thailand. The study findings revealed that currently, 18 varieties of traditional Hakka “Ban” are still made and marketed today. Among these,  7 varieties were unique, while 11 varieties share similarity with equivalent from other cultures.  Some varieties  of “Ban” have  changed in terms of name, ingredients, preparation methods, colors and flavors. Factors contributing to these variations included linguistic differences, environmental and resource constraints, time-saving and cost-reduction measures, and the creation of new options to attract consumers. Concerning its current standing in Thai society, “Ban” was not as widely recognized in Hakka communities as it once was. This decline in  popularity was due to lower consumption, which was influenced by the influx of contemporary consumption trends into the community. Consequently, production and sales have declined. Crucially, it  was obvious that Thai-Hakka  younger generations showed little interest in traditional customs and did not recognize  the value of “Ban” as their predecessors did. This lack of interest has led to a discontinuity in knowledge transmission, raising concerns about its potential disappearance. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that there are still groups of Thai-Hakka who dedicate to maintaining the cultural identity of traditional Hakka cuisine. They have compiled recipes for both savory and sweet dish, including a number of “Ban” recipes, and disseminated them via online media. They expect  that their efforts  will lead to the revival, transmission, and promotion of these culinary customs, ensuring their widespread recognition and onging survival.