CULTURAL CHANGES OF THE MON ETHNIC GROUP UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF GLOBALIZATION IN SANGKHLA BURI DISTRICT, KANCHANABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were: 1. To study the historical background of the Mon ethnic group, 2. To analyze the cultural connections of the Mon ethnic group, and 3. To present the cultural changes of the Mon ethnic group under globalization at Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province. This study employed a qualitative research methodology, consisting of documentary research from books, academic articles, research reports, and related documents, together with field research through in-depth interviews with 9 purposefully selected key informants from the Mon community at Ban Wang Ka, Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province.

The findings revealed that: 1. The Mon people are an ethnic group that migrated from Myanmar and settled at Sangkhla Buri District, particularly at Ban Wang Ka, due to political conflicts and wars in the past; 2. Mon culture has long been connected with Thai society in terms of history, religion, language, and ways of life as a result of migration, settlement, and social interaction between the Mon people and Thai society. The Mon community continues to preserve its cultural identity through language, traditions, beliefs, and religious rituals; and 3. The Mon community has adapted to globalization, particularly in the areas of economy, tourism, and information technology, resulting in changes in certain aspects of their way of life and occupations. The research synthesized three key bodies of knowledge: 1) cultural adaptation under globalization, 2. Preservation and transmission of cultural identity, and 3) The reproduction of culture through community social networks.