ACCULTURATION FOR WAYS OF BUDDHIST PRACTICES AND TRADITIONS IN BORDER AREA BETWEEN THAILAND AND MYANMAR: PROMOTING ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY IN THE CONTEXT OF MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Abstract

This article aims to study the process of acculturation for ways of Buddhist practices and traditions in the context of multicultural society by conducting field
research in Maesot District, Tak Province. It will analyze a possible way to promote ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) in border areas between Thailand and

Myanmar. The research finds that it is probable to promote the ASCC through interaction among ASEAN members who belong to the same religious sect because
their religion and culture are significant factors supporting their people to live together in peace. This can be expressed by the patterns of cultural integration of
building and using religious space as well as the phenomena of acculturation for ways of Buddhist practices and traditions among the Thai and Burmese monks and
laypeople. The lesson learned of religious integration and acculturation in Maesot will be very useful for the Thai people to prepare themselves for participating in
the ASCC and joining the ASEAN citizenship by having dignity and social equality.