PROMOTING THE THAI SONG DAM CULTURE OF BAN HUA KHAO CHIN ACCORDING TO GHARAVASA-DHAMMA PRINCIPLE OF SANGHA IN PAK THO DISTRICT, RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1. examine the level of practice, 2. compare the levels of practice, and 3. explore problems, obstacles, and provide recommendations for promoting the Thai Song Dam cultural heritage based on the principles of Gihidhamma (lay ethics) by the Sangha in Ban Hua Khao Chin, Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The quantitative component involved data collection from 247 residents aged 18 and above who are native to Ban Hua Khao Chin, Huai Yang Thon Subdistrict, Pak Tho District. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-tests, F-tests, and one-way ANOVA. The qualitative component involved interviews with 9 key informants and contextual content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1. The overall level of practice in promoting Thai Song Dam cultural heritage by the Sangha, according to the principles of Gihidhamma, was rated high, with a mean score of 3.98. 2. The comparison of practices found that gender did not significantly affect the level of practice, leading to the rejection of the research hypothesis. However, age, education level, occupation, and monthly income showed statistically significant differences at the 0.01 level, supporting the research hypothesis.  and
3. The major obstacle identified was the lack of effective dissemination of information and materials to inform the public of their rights to preserve and revitalize traditional culture. The key recommendation is to organize meetings and training sessions on document preparation and public communication to raise awareness of cultural preservation rights among local residents.