THE CUILDLINES OF CONSERVATION AND REVITALIZATION THE POHAMODBANG WAY TO ENHANCE THE COMMUNITY ECONOMY BASED ON CULTURAL CAPITAL WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE MON ETHNIC GROUP IN BAN WANG KA, NONGLU SUBDISTRICT, SANGKHLABURI DISTRICT, KANCHANABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) Study the history, meaning, and ritual components of the Pohamodbang tradition of the Mon ethnic group in Ban Wangka; 2) Synthesize the conservation and revitalization processes of Pohamodbang through the participation of the Mon ethnic group in Ban Wangka; and 3) Explore approaches to conserve and revitalize Pohamodbang to enhance community economic development based on cultural capital. The study employed qualitative research combined with participatory action research. Informants included community leaders, local sages, temple committee members, schools, women’s groups, youth, entrepreneurs, and Representatives of government agencies both inside and outside the community, totaling 30 participants. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, participatory observation, and document study. The findings revealed that 1) The Pohamodbang tradition originates from the legend of King Thammajeddi of Hanthawaddy. The boat-floating ceremony symbolizes dispelling misfortune and perpetuating Buddhism. Ritual components include chanting, merit announcements, food offerings, almsgiving with honey and sesame oil, incense and candle burning, and floating bamboo boats on the Three Confluences River; 2) The conservation and revitalization process involved collaboration among the community, temple, schools, network partners, and university, integrating activities such as Mon cultural performances and intergenerational learning spaces that foster social empowerment; and 3) Approaches to conservation and revitalization should link knowledge management, education, and technology use, leveraging cultural capital to enhance the community economy through ethnic tourism and the establishment of a living museum. It is recommended to promote Mon cultural learning centers to transmit wisdom, connect with education, and develop the community economy through ethnic tourism.