APPLICATION OF MULTICULTURAL TOURISM CONCEPT TO PROMOTE THE POI SANG LONG TRADITION

Abstract

This academic article aimed to study the application of multicultural tourism concepts for promoting the Poi Sang Long tradition of the Tai Yai people, using documentary research and content analysis methods. The findings revealed that the Poi Sang Long tradition is a novice ordination ceremony inspired by Buddhist history concerning Prince Siddhartha’s renunciation. The ceremony consisted of three important days: the day of receiving Sang Long, the day of receiving guests, and the ordination day. Key components included Sang Long (boys aged 7-14), prince-like attire, and grand processions. This tradition reflected the social structure, Buddhist faith, and cultural identity of the Tai Yai people, but faces challenges from social changes in the globalization era. The research developed the Multicultural Tourism Management Model through Poi Sang Long Tradition comprising four components: 1. cultural foundation, 2. social dimension, 3. Tourism potential, and 4. participatory process. The application approach should promote community participation in four aspects: decision-making, implementation, benefit sharing, and monitoring and evaluation, along with creating appropriate tourism image and developing creative tourism utilizing unique local identity. The balanced integration of these four components will lead to sustainable multicultural tourism development that preserves cultural values while generating economic and social benefits for local communities.