RUEM MAMUAD : VALUE OF RECREATION

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper was to analyze the recreational value of the Ruem Mamuad activity and used a mixed research methodology for analyzing the recreational value of activities in five dimensions: body, mind, emotion, social, and intellect. The collection of data was conducted by using four sources: 1) 30 keys information divided into 5 groups: 1.1) the patients who had been treated with the Ruem Mamuad activity; 1.2) the families of patients who had been treated with the Ruem Mamuad activity; 1.3) the Ruem Mamuad activity teachers and dancers in the Ruem Mamuad activity; 1.4) the musicians of the Ruem Mamuad activity; and           1.5) the people of Thai-Khmer ethnic groups who had attended or visited the Ruem Mamuad activity, 2) the 5 experts in sports science and physical education, 3) a sample of 17 participants in real situations, and 4) the 12 times of participant observation in Ruem Mamuad activities in real-life situations. The results of this research showed that the most recreational value of Ruem Mamuad activity was in the social dimension, followed by the emotional and mental dimensions. Although there is currently no scientific evidence to establish a definitive link and proof of the relationship between the mystical powers of the Thai-Khmer ethnic people and the illnesses of various diseases, at least the Ruem Mamuad activity can help strengthen kinship relations in rural society and enhance the quality of life, especially the psychological aspects of the Thai-Khmer ethnic people in Sisaket province, to be able to lead a normal and happy life.