FUNERAL MANAGEMENT AND UNDERTAKER IDENTIFICATION IN CONTEXT OF NA IN SOUTH AREA CASE STUDY OF WATMATCHIMPHUPHA (DONKLANG) COMMUNITY, RONPIBOON, NAKHON SI THAMMARAT.

Abstract

This article has aimed 1) to study the patterns and beliefs of funeral management of Watmatchimphupha (Donklang) community; and 2) to study the identity of the undertaker of Watmatchimphupha (Donklang) community. This study was the qualitative research and set time of study during 1997-2018, collected data from documents and fields in Watmatchimphupha (Donklang) community by using non-participant observation and in-depth interviews from seniors group in the community, monks, and undertakers. The data was classified, interpreted, constructed and presented with descriptive analysis.

         The study found that:

         During 1997-2018, Watmatchimphupha (Donklang) community has changed social, economy, utility systems, government and private organizations, community organizations and including forms and beliefs in funeral arrangements. It has changed according to the way of society. Funeral atmosphere has well preparation, beauty, elegant, comfortable, the shop service such the flower decoration of coffins with gold paper, coffin with air conditioning. There is organizing a funeral at home and some is located at temple because there are comfortable, save money and time, easier management and the atmosphere in the funeral  is lively.

           For the identity of undertaker of Watmatchimphupha (Donklang) community found that there has the dynamics changed of the cremation method that means there had Samsang crematorium (bier crematorium) in the past and indefinite the status of the undertaker. After that, there was changing to new crematorium, the undertaker identity is vibrant. Presently, the oven crematorium is the newest crematorium, has changed the position of undertaker to be the "funeral manager" with knowledge of cremation. They have also skilled in taking care, cleaning, and repairing the furnace. Moreover, they are easy to see, fast service, dress well, be brave, not afraid of ghosts, practice in the precepts, no more magic, variety of career, as liaison of praying in all Buddhist’s traditional merits, doing fruits fields. They has the unique certainly identity that still hold the beliefs in philanthropy, refusing the charge of the cremation.