Didactic Characteristics in Ajarn Yod’s Ghost Stories
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Abstract
This research article aims to analyze the didactic characteristics presented in the ghost stories of “Ajarn Yod.” The study examines 108 popular ghost stories published in 2024, which is the year that Ajarn Yod’s YouTube channel was ranked among Thailand’s top trending platforms for ghost storytelling. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study collected data from stories published on the channel and analyzed them through the frameworks of oral literature and social discourse.
The findings reveal that Ajarn Yod’s narratives reproduce four major dimensions of didactic teachings. First, Buddhist-based teachings focus on moral lessons such as the Law of Karma, merit-making, demerit, and the cycle of rebirth. Second, teachings on daily codes of conduct encourage listeners to be honest, upright, sincere, respectful of others, selective in choosing companions, proactive against wrongdoing, diligent, and selfless. Third, teachings on gender values cultivate proper manners, social comportment, modesty, and self-worth among women. Fourth, teachings on social relationship dynamics emphasize respect for elders and nature. These findings reflect that ghost stories presented in Thai society are not merely forms of general entertainment. That is to say, the narrative texts carry embedded social and cultural power that enables traditional Thai ideologies to contend, adapt, and survive through popular ghost stories in contemporary Thai society.
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