A Study of the Illuminated Boat Procession Culture in Nakhon Phanom: Artistic Creation for Environmental Awareness

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) investigate the cultural context and the role of the Illuminated Boat Procession (Lai Ruea Fai) in Nakhon Phanom Province to establish a foundational body of knowledge for the creative process; 2) analyze the artistic forms and elements of the tradition to serve as artistic inspiration and convey the underlying concepts embedded within this cultural heritage; and 3) create an installation art piece capable of fostering environmental consciousness and awareness by presenting conservation ideals rooted in local traditions. This study employs a mixed-methods research approach, gathering qualitative data through on-site observations and in-depth interviews with illuminated boat craftsmen and participating community members. The research findings reveal that the Illuminated Boat Procession is fundamentally rooted in Buddhist ecology, centered on the acts of respecting and seeking atonement from nature. However, its contemporary elevation into commercial tourism has diluted the original spiritual values regarding environmental stewardship, a situation further exacerbated by the issues of waste and pollution in the Mekong River. Regarding artistic elements, the aesthetic appeal is derived from the structural arrangement of the boats, the meticulous design and placement of oil lamps, and traditional bamboo construction techniques. These cultural identities were integrated with the concepts of Eco-Art and Conceptual Art, utilizing reclaimed materials to create an ecological installation on the banks of the Mekong River. This artwork functions as a tangible reflection of pollution, resulting in an "Aesthetic of Paradox" that prompts critical reflection among viewers. The new body of knowledge derived from this research indicates that reinterpreting "original cultural capital" through contemporary art can serve as a potent soft power. This approach stimulates a behavioral transition, moving the audience from being mere observers of a ritual toward becoming active protectors of a sustainable ecosystem.