TON THONG TREE (RED KAPOK TREE) RELATED TO LOCAL CULTURAL TECHNOLOGY, RELIGION BELIEF, FOOD AND HERB VALUE

Abstract

The Objectives of this research article were to study the context of Ton Thong Tree (Red Kapok Tree) related to local cultural technology, religion belief, food, herb value, nutritional value of Ton Thong Tree. Moreover, it also aimed at analyzing the factors of Ton Thong Tree technology in the folklore ecosystem and nutrition in Thailand. Qualitative research method was applied in this study in order to collect data from in-depth interviews with 60 key informants including farmers, merchants, forestry officers, and housewives. The researcher then considered the key issues from the qualitative research and asked questions to create a data collection tool in the quantitative research stage among purposive sampling of 500 people. Then analyze the components in 5 steps as follows: 1) verify the preliminary agreement with KMO and Barlett’s Test. 2) extract the factors and consider Eigen Value. 3) consider the factor loading value. 4) rotate the orthogonal factor axis with Varimax method. 5) entitle the factors. The results showed that it is a large perennial softwood with trunk full of thorns. Leaves fall off before red flowers fully bloom in winter. The pollen of the flowers can be dried and used for cooking. Wood, oil, and pods can also be used for various purposes. Herbal medicine is used according to the wisdom passed on from local ancestors. According to local folklore beliefs, it is considered a misfortune tree that is not popular to be planted at homes. It is believed that it is a tree of two worlds, representing hell for those who violate the 5 precepts of the third verse. The results of Ton Thong factor analysis in the ecosystem according to folklore and nutrition in Thailand showed that Eigen value is greater than 1 for a total of 6 elements.