The Creation of Thai Contemporary Folk Dance based on Cultural Capital “Dance to Worship Kru Pakamchang of Kuy Achiang People”

Abstract

Background and Aims: Elephant-keeping and religious traditions are part of the long-standing cultural identity of the Kuy Achiang ethnic community in Surin Province, Thailand. Worshipping Kru Pakamchang, which represents indigenous beliefs, social solidarity, and intangible cultural heritage, is one of the most important customs. Cultural conservation, community development, and creative tourism are all aided by the performing arts' preservation and revitalization of this custom. This study aims to (1) examine the wisdom and ritual practices associated with the worship of Kru Pakamchang, (2) design and create Thai contemporary folk-dance movements that represent the community’s cultural capital and identity, and (3) perform and disseminate the dance to preserve cultural heritage and promote cultural tourism of the Kuy Achiang people. Methodology: A mixed-methods study approach was employed, combining qualitative and action research. Data was gathered through focus groups, interviews, and documentary research with five cultural specialists, including monks, local scholars, and ritual experts. During action research workshops, 20 students and 30 community members collaborated to co-create dance moves, music, lyrics, and costumes. The data was examined using content analysis and participatory design methodologies. Results: The worship of Kru Pakamchang, which represents protection, unification, and reverence for ancestral spirits, is an important part of the Kuy Achiang people's cultural and spiritual life, according to the study. The imaginative choreography, which combined Thai classical elements with the dance traditions of the Kuy, Lao, and Khmer people, was divided into three sections and seventeen movements. In addition to revitalizing intangible cultural heritage, the performance builds communal identity, encourages knowledge transmission between generations, and opens up potential for cultural tourism. Conclusion: This study shows how indigenous rituals can be adapted into modern performing arts that promote sustainable development and community resilience while protecting intangible cultural heritage. Anthropology, humanities, and social sciences are all integrated in the "Dance to Worship Kru Pakamchang," which supports the Kuy Achiang community's creative economy and cultural preservation.