Investigating identities of Surat Thani’s Chak Phra Chak Phum tradition for cultural tourism management

Abstract

          This research aimed at investigating identities of the Chak Phra Chak Phum tradition in Surat Thani Municipality, Surat Thani Province. This qualitative research employed purposive sampling to select the 14 samples (five local cultural inheritors, three monks, three educational personnel, and three community leaders.) The researcher collected data by conducting formal and informal in-depth interviews, participant and non-participant observation and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed by content analysis.

          The results revealed three unparalleled identities of the Chak Phra Chak Phum tradition; geographical, ritual, and activity management. Its geographic identity is incomparable because the Tapi River uniquely flows through the city's heart of Surat Thani Province, becoming a long thoroughfare for land and water. The ritual identity revealed that the Chak Phum tradition has been organized only in one place in Thailand and it is held at the end of Buddhist Lent before the Chak Phra ritual. The identity of activity management unveiled that all the community sectors' participation is a crucial success factor in organizing various activities. The Chak Phra and Chak Phum traditions are, therefore, a reflection of the local cultural prosperity. It is worth supporting and promoting this tradition to cultural tourism management in the province as it can sustainably generate income for local villagers and tourism sectors in the long run.