The Identity of Thai So, Phathai Sub-District, Tha Uthen District, Nakhon Phanom Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the history of the Thai So ethnic group in Phathai sub-district, Tha Uthen district, Nakhon Phanom province and 2) to study the identity of the Thai So ethnic group in Phathai sub-district, Tha Uthen district, Nakhon Phanom province. The qualitative research method was used by gaining information from documents and interviews through the concept of invented tradition, identity, ethnicity, and local history. The results showed that the Thai So ethnic group originated in the Lao People's Democratic Republic of Lao with their migration into the Northeast and scattered in various provinces such as Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Nong Khai and Mukdahan, but the highest occurrence was in Kusuman district, Sakon Nakhon province. The Thai So Phathai ethnic group separated from Kusuman district, Sakon Nakhon province due to epidemics in the past, the increasing population and drought problems. As a result, they migrated to settle in Phathai sub-district because it was a fertile and suitable place for living. In terms of ethnic identity, it was found that the Thai So people of Phathai sub-district had the identities of the distinctive language, traditions and cultures, rituals, and beliefs. Each year, there was a tradition of " Thai So Reunion " for people in the community to preserve the local cultures and traditions of the Thai So ethnic group, to create love and unity in the community, and to reflect other different ethnic identities in Nakhon Phanom Province.