103 Years ago; The Conflict of the Continuing of Parknampho Chinese Deities Traditional Parade

Abstract

The objectives of this academic article was to study the conflict of the continuing of Parknampho Chinese Deities Traditional Parade, 103 years ago of Parknampho Chinese Deities Traditional Parade. The results of the research revealed that Paknampho Chinese Deities Traditional Parade, one famous local custom in Thailand, has been continuously held since 1917 after the outbreak of the plague. Since the medication at that time could not treat the disease, people tried using paper talisman blessed by their respected god, as per their belief, burned the holy paper, mixed with pure water, and drank as the healing potion until all sick people were restored to health. This is the beginning era of the confliction in society’s values. There was another disagreement among some people in Paknumpho. This argument had arised from the fact that most of the local people, respecting in god and godness Paknampho believing the god and godness could protect them as well as heal them from any harms, arranged the worship celebration every year. This annual festivity formed a grand parade moving around the local market which allow people to provide their respects to the god and goodness Paknampho, so called Chao Po Cha Mae Paknumpho. The board members locally called Taonung, principally organizing this celebration, have been chosen by tossing some ritual objects named Puopoe. As the board members are elected from such prediction method, the event organizing has been full with conflictions and competitions. Each of the members tries to be recognized as the best person who could set up the greatest celebration and create the best parade in that year. Moreover, each of them has been yearning to be the most outstanding organizing person for any festive in the history. Thanks to this creatively-conflict atmosphere, we are able to witness this famous local custom for almost 100 years.