An Analysis of Local Identities in Southern Thai Folktales

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to analyze local identities presented in 146 selected stories of southern Thai folktales.  The research finds ten aspects of local identities, as follows: 1) Ways of life, southern Thai people live by the sea or mountains; their occupations relate to nature or trading, such as a barque trading with China, fishery, etc. 2) Beliefs, for example faith in Buddhism.   3) Folk games, such as the Ja-to (a kind of local chess). 4) Using herbs, such as using sap of Hopea macrocarpa Poopath & Sookch for trapping animals. 5) Communication with abroad, including trading with China, and multicultural living. 6) Values, such as bravery and wealth; a story of the poor fighting against the rich is found. 7) Characteristics; negotiation and boastfulness are two distinctive characteristics noted. 8) Ideas and teachings, such as the teaching about making friends.  9) Origins of communities and names of local places, which are relevant for example Koh-nu (Mouse Island); Koh-maew (Cat Island); Hin-hua-nai-rang (Gao-seng Hill), etc.  10) Wisdom, including some adopted from abroad.   This research indicates that southern Thai folktales present various interesting aspects of local identities of southern Thailand.