The Journey of the Legendary Ta Mong Lai from the Gulf of Thailand to Various Localities: A study of the Reproduction of Various Tales and Different Stories from the Ta Mong Lai legends in Thai Society

Abstract

   This article aims to explore and compile mythical legends that differ from the legend of Ta Mong Lai and analyze the characteristics of the different local legends that are different from the legend of Ta Mong Lai, which is mythical legend prevalent in coastal communities and islands in the Gulf of Thailand, namely the western, eastern and southern regions, by using folklore methodology. The results of the research are that the legend of Ta Mong Lai has 15 different myths. There are 4 characteristics that can be found in the story: 1) maintaining the original structure but changing the details in behavior; 2) choosing some episodes to compose a new tale, 3) adding a sub-plot and 4) adding a story. The area referred to in the legend has been transformed into the Central Basin, the Eastern Region, and the Southern Mountains. The split reflects the relationships and travels of people between regions and the social networks of people in the Gulf of Thailand as a result of commercial travel from seaports to cities.