Don Mali: A Centre of Tai Song Dum Culture in Surat Thani Province

Abstract

This research paper investigates the establishment of Tai Song Dum Ethnic Community in Surat Thani Province. Main arguments of the paper focus on cultural maintenance of Tai Song Dum ethnic group that is conducted through relationships within the cultural network. A qualitative methodological approach is used to conduct the study. Observation,            a life-history approach, an in-depth interview, and a group interview are used as research tools to collect the field data.  

Research results found that Don Mali Community is the first          Tai Song Dum ethnic community in Surat Thani Province. This community was established in 1954 by the locals and the monks whose ethnicity is Tai Song Dum followed by the other groups of people who later evacuted to the community in 1957. The monks have played important roles in constructing important community places such as Don Mali temple, Ban Sai Ngam School, and Tai Song Dum Ethnic Learning Centre. Many rituals are performed by Mor Sane who is a traditional ritual practitioner in the community, and groups of Tai Song Dum people are formed in order to drive the community as a cultural preservation youth group, a handicraft group, and a local saving group. These conditions affect the community to become a center of Tai Song Dum ethnic culture in Surat Thani Province.