คนไทย..ที่ขอบฟ้าตะวันตก

Abstract

Myawaddy is a signifi cant city in the eastern part of Myanmar with anexcellent economy as it is located at the border with Thailand. The surrounding communities still live the lifestyle of Lanna people in Thailand in the aspects of language, food, tradition, beliefs, as well as arts and culture. Lanna people in Myawaddy tend to call themselves “Kon Tai” whose ancestors immigrated to the northern part of Thailand 100 years ago. The research team, consisting of 5 people and one leader from Mae Sot travelled to Baan Huai San which is the largest Tai Yuan community in Myawaddy to plan the organization of the 17th Tai Nation Day in February 2017. The research team had an opportunity to attend the funeral of General Lula, the elite military leader of Kayin Forces at the border (Karen State). Additionally, the team visited Tai Yuan community in Ban Long Ban Ta, KukKik, Myanmar which is situated in the South east of Myawaddy. It has been found that there are many villages of Tai Yuan in Karen State area which is located in the northeast of Myawaddy. Tai Yuan people had also joined the 17th Tai Nation Day in February 2017. Before travelling back to Chiang Mai, the research team had an opportunity to attend an annual fair known as Ngan Boon Kao Lam Deuang See.