The Kathin Tradition of the Kui Ethnic Group in Ban Khu Khat, Satuek District, Buriram Province: Traditional Forms According to Buddhist Disciplines, Community Identity, and Conservation

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1. To investigate the body of knowledge regarding the Kathin tradition of the Kui ethnic group: The findings revealed that the Kathin tradition of the Kui ethnic group takes the form of Kathin Rat (Private Kathin), wherein the laity presents robes to non-royal temples. This constitutes a Sanghakamma (ecclesiastical act) that is strictly time-bound, occurring only between the first waning moon of the 11th lunar month and the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Notably, the Kathin tradition of the Kui community in Ban Khu Khat possesses a distinctive ritual, unique to this locality and not found in other communities, known as the "Human Bridge Ritual," which was first established in 1981 2. To conserve and revitalize the Kathin tradition of the Kui ethnic group: The study found that conservation efforts involved collecting historical data on the Kathin tradition and its supplementary rituals through interviews. Furthermore, activities were organized to foster youth participation, and public relations were conducted through online media, community media, and personal communication to disseminate information to a wider audience. 3. To determine a model for developing activities to conserve and revitalize the Kathin tradition of the Kui ethnic group: The results indicated three models for conservation: 1. Documentation: Compiling the history of the Kathin tradition from academic documents, monks, and local scholars into written records. 2. Youth Participation: Organizing participatory activities involving students from Ban Khu Khat School and Buriram Rajabhat University. 3. Public Relations: Promoting the tradition to support and sustain the Kathin ceremony of the Kui ethnic group.