The Hungry Ghost Festival: Beliefs of Chinese-Thai People in Buriram Province

Abstract

This research focuses on the Chinese-Thai Hungry Ghost Festival through a case study where data was collected from among personnel at the Sawang Janya Burirum Foundation. Interviews and observations were the primary research approaches. The data was collected, analyzed and presented in a descriptive manner. 

            The results demonstrate that the Hungry Ghost Festival remains an important festival for the Sawang Janya Burirum Foundation and has been practiced each year by overseas Chinese who immigrated to Buriram Province.  These groups of people have established their own society and maintained their cultural identity in accordance with the teachings of their Chinese ancestors in mainland China. Nevertheless, some factors related to personnel, society, and the economy resulted in changes to the festival as it adapted to modern society. At the same time, the foundation has strived to continue promoting their identity, tradition, and customs passed on by their ancestors years ago.