TEIBO: SEXUAL DIVERSITY AND EXISTENCE OF REUM MA MUAD ACTIVITIES OF THAI-KHMER ETHNIC GROUP ENTREPRENEURS AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The globalization flow has been changing social and culture readily, especially the acceptance of social diversity and multicultural are the part in daily routine.  The objectives of the study were to study the role of LGBT group and the perspective among the Thai-Khmer ethnic group toward the role of LGBT in Reum Ma Muad. The research methodology was qualitative research by using documentary research, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. A target area was selected using purposive selection by selecting villages where Thai-Khmer ethnic group live massively and there is evidence of Reum Ma Muad organizing continuously. From the selection, there are six villages in Sisaket Province. The number of informants which create the data saturation was 139. Content analysis was applied for data analysis.

Results from the study show that 1. the outstanding role of LGBT in Reum Ma Muad consisted of two roles which were Ma Muad teacher (activity moderator) and Ma Muad medium (co-dancer) and they have been participating in the rite more and more. 2. The charismatic authority of LGBT who performed in Reum Ma Muad was the important factor to accept the role of LGBT among Thai-Khmer ethnic. There was no difference of the Reum Ma Muad performed by primary gender.