THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF SAI BURI, KEDAH, MALAYSIA

Abstract

This article aims to present the cultural landscape of Sai Buri in Kedah, Malaysia, focusing on the social and cultural history of the Siamese people in Sai Buri, a northern state of Malaysia. Today, Sai Buri is located near Gunung Jerai, also known as the Banyan Mountain. It is referred to by Indians as Mount Meru, a sacred mountain that serves as the dwelling place of Lord Shiva and a landmark for seafarers. In the past, Sai Buri was the fifth city in the zodiac system of Nakhon Si Thammarat under the rule of the Twelve Cities during the 17th-18th Buddhist centuries. The city’s emblem was the Year of the Dragon, which is represented by a large serpent symbol. Siamese and Indian communities were scattered throughout the city, ruled by successive kings. The migration of the Siamese people to Sai Buri was driven by four main factors: Pioneering livelihoods, military conscription and forced relocation, cross-border relations, and escaping legal prosecution. The Siamese in Sai Buri settled in communities, primarily engaging in agriculture while practicing Buddhism and worshiping sacred entities. Monks played a central role in their spiritual and social lives, with temples serving as the focal points for community and cultural activities. Village leaders managed social affairs, maintaining a peaceful and simple way of life. The Siamese people were known for their non-violent nature and used the Southern Thai dialect for communication. Children typically learned the Thai language at temples, where Buddhist monks and Thai volunteers served as teachers. Parents nurtured their children to become virtuous individuals, instilling Thai consciousness, teaching Thai etiquette, and passing on Thai traditions. The Siamese community took great pride in their cultural identity and maintained deep respect and reverence for the King and Queen of Thailand.