CONSERVATION OF ETHNIC IDENTITY FOCUSING ON HISTORICAL SETTLEMENT OF LAO WIANG GROUP IN PLAPPHLA CHAI SUB-DISTRICT U THONG DISTRICT SUPHANBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research has aims 1) to study the ethnic identity focusing on settlement history of Lao Wiang Group in Plapphla Chai Sub-district, and 2) to construct some methods to preserve settled historical identity of Lao Wiang Group in Plapphla Chai Sub-district. The present study is a qualitative research, conducted by using in-depth interviews from 5 Lao Wiang representatives and 10 community leaders. Furthermore, focused-group interviews were held in order to discuss with 20 representatives in the community, 10 government officials, 30 children and youths. The data was analyzed by using phenomenology study and presented in the form of narration and description. Based on the study, the findings reveal that 1) Lao Vieng people in Plapphla Chai Sub-district, migrated twice. The first time in the Thonburi Period, the reason for their migration is Pra Wor Senabordi of Phrachao Siribunyasan disputed with the King of Vientiane. Pra Wor had to pledge for allegiance to the Great King of Thonburi, while Phrachao Siribunyasan sent an army to defeat and execute Pra Wor. The Great King of Thonburi acknowledged the incident, so he sent Phraya Maha Kasatsuek and Maha Sura Singhanat to defeat Siribunyasan’s army. The second migration is in the Rattanakosin period. Chao Anuwong caused a rebellion against the Kingdom of Rattanakosin. When Chao Anuwong had lost the war, many Lan Chang Vieng Chan people were forced to Thailand. 2) The identity conservation focusing on the history of Lao Vieng’s settlement in Plapphla Chai Sub-district is that to apply the participation of community people, from brainstorming, planning, fundraising, cooperating, co-responsibility, co-assessment, and self-dependence which can reduce the dependence to external institutions or organizations.