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Publication
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| Research Title |
The Symbolic Utilization of “Naga” in Special Economic Zone, Mukdahan Province, Thailand. |
| Date of Distribution |
6 August 2019 |
| Conference |
| Title of the Conference |
TASS International Conference on Advancement in Economics Management Studies, Humanities and Social Science (AEMHS) |
| Organiser |
Taiwan Academy of Social Sciences |
| Conference Place |
Howard Plaza Hotel |
| Province/State |
Taipei, Taiwan |
| Conference Date |
6 August 2019 |
| To |
7 August 2019 |
| Proceeding Paper |
| Volume |
- |
| Issue |
- |
| Page |
6 |
| Editors/edition/publisher |
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| Abstract |
The purpose of this article is to examine the symbolic utilization of “Naga” in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mukdahan province, Thailand. The study employed qualitative research methodology using interviews with twelve key informants in the communities including community leaders, persons- in-charge at the places where Nagas were depicted, and local monks. Then the secondary data were synthesized and analyzed using content analysis guided by the conceptual framework of sociology of tourism. The findings showed that the symbolic utilization of Naga in the SEZ in Mukdahan often appeared in the forms of sacred icons (e.g., statues and architecture), amulets, and worshipping rituals. The stakeholders in the area, including governmental and private organizations, communities, and surrounding villagers, received benefits from the symbolic utilization of Naga in many ways. Firstly, they benefited economically as the local government and communities were able to establish tourist activities relating to Naga in the area. These activities accounted for the increasing number of tourists in each year, leading to higher income for the communities and service sectors in Mukdahan province. Secondly, the communities benefited socially from the symbolic utilization of Naga as its mythology has greatly influenced on several Isaan traditional lifestyles, such as agricultural ceremonies, arts, and architecture. Thus, Naga worshippers must follow rules and regulations specified by the communities’ folklores which, in turn, reinforced a form of social control in the communities. Lastly, Naga worshippers benefited in terms of health as they must behave themselves carefully under the Buddhist five precepts – one of which was abstaining from drinking alcohol. The symbolic utilization of Naga also helped with the worshippers’ state of mind since the activities that aimed to promote tourism could help them relax and lessen anxiety, making the worshippers stay mentally healthy. |
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| Peer Review Status |
ไม่มีผู้ประเมินอิสระ |
| Level of Conference |
นานาชาติ |
| Type of Proceeding |
Abstract |
| Type of Presentation |
Oral |
| Part of thesis |
true |
| Presentation awarding |
false |
| Attach file |
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| Citation |
0
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Journal Publication
ไทย