BUUDHIST MONKS AND PARTICIPATION IN PRESERVING ETHNIC CULTURE IN RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This academic article aimก to study: 1. Ethnic groups in Ratchaburi Province 2. Monks and participation in promoting ethnic activities 3. Monks and their roles in community market administration.

The study was found that: 1. The populations in Ratchaburi Province consisted of ethnics and ethnic diversity, which is a distinctive feature of the province that has been inherited since ancient times. This is because the terrain that reinforces Ratchaburi Province suitable for a cultural hub. Consequently, it consists of many nationalities. Each race has its own distinct culture and traditions, namely, 1) Indigenous Central Thai people 2) Chinese Thai people 3) Tai-Yuan people 4) Thai Mon people 5) Thai Karen people 6) Thai Lao Song people 7) Laotian Thai people 8) Thai Khmer people.  2. Monasteries in Ratchaburi Province play a role in promoting activities and providing opportunities for ethnic groups to have the opportunity to make merits and to promote Buddhism as well, as can be seen from many monasteries that organize activities during different traditions. There were plays through songs and music for fun, cheerful and friendly activities 3. Community markets establishment, such as Wat Khong Suwankhiri, Wat Khanon Nang Yai community markets, etc. established by the participation of the monks and the monasteries by people’s participation to express ideas. Monasteries supported budgets facilitated locations or other matters.