The Process of Promoting Livelihoods Through Weaving Pha Saew of the Kui People of Surin Province

Abstract

             The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the context, current situation, problems, obstacles, and needs for developing the weaving profession of the Kui people in Surin Province; 2) to develop a process for promoting the weaving profession of the Kui people in Surin Province; and 3) to evaluate the process for promoting the weaving profession through the weaving of the Kui people in Surin Province. This is a qualitative field research. There are 2 types of research tools: 1) interview form 2) evaluation form used for collecting data from 4 target groups: (1) government executives/local leaders/community leaders,
10 people; (2) academics/community scholars/local wisdom, 5 people; (3) women's group, 10 people; (4) community representatives who participated in making the saew cloth, 15 people, totaling 40 people. The data was then analyzed and presented descriptively.
             The results of the research found that:
             1. The Kui people possess a long-standing tradition of weaving weaving, inherited from their ancestors, reflecting their identity, culture, and local beliefs. Currently, this profession is declining due to a lack of new generations of workers, lack of financial and market support, and requires systematic promotion and development.
             2. The development of the weaving profession through knowledge transfer activities, workshops, marketing development, and community networking was implemented.
            3. An evaluation of the process of promoting livelihood through saew weaving among the Kui people in Surin Province, using the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy framework, which comprises three components: moderation, reasonableness, and self-immunity, under conditions of knowledge and morality, found that the livelihood promotion process was at a "very good" level of effectiveness (average 4.59). This was particularly evident in the community's practice of moderation and morality. The Kui people are able to pursue their weaving careers with moderation, utilize local materials, engage in collaborative production planning, transfer knowledge between generations, and uphold honesty and unity. This has resulted in increased income generation, increased economic stability, and the sustainable preservation of local wisdom.