Identity and Guidelines of Maintaining Creative Identity of Tapae Thasap Market in Yala Province

Abstract

        This research aims to explore the identities embedded in the local context of Thasap Subdistrict, Yala Province, and to investigate creative approaches to sustaining their charm at Thapae Thasap Market. This qualitative study employed focus group discussions as the primary data collection method. Data were collected from 15 key informants, including government officials, private-sector representatives, and local scholars with in-depth knowledge of the identities within the Thasap context. In addition, a public hearing was conducted with 100 participants selected through quota sampling. The participants comprised identity holders or their descendants, entrepreneurs at Thapae Thasap Market, community leaders and local residents of Thasap Subdistrict, tourists, and government and private-sector personnel involved in tourism promotion. The data were analyzed through content analysis, synthesis, and comparison and were subsequently presented through analytical description. The study revealed the following findings: (1) The identities within the context of Thasap Subdistrict include the ancient town of Thapae, Ban Paju Hadji, Luboh Deeyae, the boat-shaped Thasap Municipal Office building, and goat milk. (2) The creative guidelines for preserving and promoting the charm of these identities at Thapae Thasap Market are as follows: (2.1) The identity of the ancient town of Thapae is reflected through a festival titled “Saneh Thapae Ma Lae Thasap” (The Charm of Thapae and Thasap Fair); (2.2) the identity of Ban Paju Hadji is highlighted through a cultural activity called “Tracking Ban Paju Hadji”; (2.3) the identity of Luboh Deeyae is celebrated through a local festival themed “Magae Deeyae Baga Egae Dee Luboh Deeyae” (Eat Durian, Grill Fish at Luboh Deeyae); (2.4) the identity of the boat-shaped municipal building is promoted through the “Laeperrahoo Raft Floating Festival”; and (2.5) the identity of goat milk is represented through a unique event titled “Goat Milk Drinking and Goat Viewing.” This study provides policy recommendations and outlines directions for further research through a structured research framework designed to facilitate government implementation.