THE COMMUNICATION APPROACH TO BUILD TEENAGERS’ PARTICIPATION AND CONSERVATION ON RAMTONE-NOKPHITHID IN NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE THROUGH USING VIDEO MEDIA AND ONLINE MEDIA

Abstract

The objectives of this research were (1) to synthesize information about the origin, pattern and characteristics of Ramtone-Nokphithid dancing; (2) to find out the communication pattern and the way to produce video and online media on Ramtone-Nokphithid dancing for perception and participation of adolescents in Krungching Sub-district, Nopphitam District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province; and (3) to evaluate the perception and opinions of the audiences. The research process comprised 4 steps: basic information survey step, transferring information step, video production and dissemination step, and evaluation step.

            The findings from focus group discussion involving seven local intellectuals and nine adolescents provided the pattern of workshop and video production in cultural documents and video for dancing practice. After that, from synthesis of the focus group discussion contents, document study and non-participatory observation, the findings showed that Ramtone-Nokphithid dancing was a popular folk dance during the period of Field Marshal P. Pibulsonggram as prime minister which was during the World War II.  Ramtone or Drum Dancing disseminated from the Central part of Thailand to other parts including the Southern part for entertainment and stress reduction among the military and the people in the time of hardship.  This dancing came to Krungching through personal media who saw this dancing from Nakhon Si Thammarat City and adapted the songs and dancing to suit the local taste. These songs were short and diverse and were more than ten in number with corresponding dancing patterns. One unique song was   “Nokphithid Dancing” imitating from philandering of a kind of owl, which was funny and joyful. Therefore, this folk dance was called Ramtone-Nokphithid.  After video viewing, 71 audiences who were evaluated gained more knowledge about the origin, patterns of dancing and singing. They were also impressed by the video and online media which were appropriate in contents, pictures and sounds.  They also had opinions that the media could motivate public participation in Krungching for conserving this folk dance; particularly, the adolescents who could use this media for practicing and dancing in order to conserve this folk culture to always be with Krungching Subdistrict, Nopphitam District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.