A Study of Folklore and Folk Plays as Intangible Cultural Heritage for the Promote Cultural Tourism in Kwan Phueng Ceremony of Sri Khiri Mat Subdistrict, Khiri Mat District, Sukhothai Province

Abstract

This research studied 1) traditional Kwan Phueng
 ceremony folk performance; 2) roles and functions of folklore in the 
presentations; and 3) ceremony-related cultural tourism promotion 
strategies. The study framework comprised folklore roles and functions, 
cultural tourism and resource management in Si Khiri Mat subdistrict, Khiri Mat district, Sukhothai Province. Three key informants groups included: 
1) ritual performers; 2) folk performance participants; and 3) ceremony 
attendees, chosen by purposive sampling. Data collected by interview and focus group was analyzed by content analysis and descriptive narrative analysis. 
Results identified three types of folk performances: 1) the father, mother, and child bee; 2) bee thief game; and 3) Ting Noi dance. Four roles and functions of folklore follow: 1) entertainment; 2) preserving accepted sociocultural behavior patterns; 3) explaining group identity and cultural rituals; and 4) promoting the restoration of natural and cultural ecosystems. Strategies to promote cultural tourism: 1) integrated participation by all stakeholders; 2) boosting awareness and accessibility of cultural information through diverse communication channels; and 3) organizing creative cultural learning activities.