Cultural adaptation of community toward social impact from the policy on the Border Special Economic Zone: A case study of Tha Sai Luat community, Mae Sot district, Tak province

Abstract

     The community history of Tai-yai identity in the Tha Sai Luat community and its social effect were studied with regard to community and cultural adaptation of community identity subsequent to the government’s policy on the Mae Sot Border Special Economic Zone, Tak province. Qualitative research was applied by gathering data from document analysis together with interviews and focus group discussions with community leaders, community philosophers, and villager representatives. In addition, participant observation was used at community activities. Content analysis was employed and the results were presented in a descriptive discourse covering the concepts of cultural adaptation, cultural ecology, and new social movement. The findings indicated that the Tha Sai Luat community was established in the reign of King Rama VI. The first Tai-yai ethnic merchant group settled near the Mei River crossing for trading convenience. Since the first Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge was built in 1997, the community has been changing and it has been confronted with rapid community expansion. The social impact of the government policy on the Border Special Economic Zone was considered as a catalyst for social cultural changes, especially community expansion and changing occupations and lifestyles. Being forced to make choices associated with the economic development has placed stress on the community’s existence under Tai-yai culture; therefore in response to these stresses, the community has adjusted and emphasized their cultural movement by utilizing their cultural core with traditions as a tool to create a cultural space in which to combat the effects of change. The strategies developed were “Creating and valuing Tai-yai traditions from community history” and “Learning center and restoration of Tai-yai traditions and culture” through invented discourses concerning “Reiterating the significance of Tai-yai inheritance”, “Reproducing Tai-yai ethnic identity through culture, traditions, and art performance”, “Learning and restoring local culture” and “Cultural cooperation for joint community management” with Wat Thaiwatthanaram as a center.