Traditional Local Dress and the Promotion of “Malayness” in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand

บทคัดย่อ

Traditional dress is an important part of the heritage and culture of a nation, as it is symbolic of history, pride, and customs. Likewise, the ethnic Thai Malay takes pride in Busana Melayu, a traditional Malay dress that symbolizes modesty, honor, and identity. Wearing this costume during occasions shows respect to one’s own traditions and heritage. Today, the traditional Malay dress is relevant to Thai Malay people in the southern border provinces in Thailand. This paper, therefore, explores and seeks to understand the symbolic perspectives of costumes in Busana Melayu of the Thai Malays and its contribution to the preservation and reinforcement of ethnic identity of Thai Malays in the broader social and cultural dynamics in the majority Thai society. The study adopted qualitative methods that include interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The study found out that Busana Melayu is normally worn by the Thai Malays, particularly, at religious functions such as Hari Raya and other cultural events. It is compatible with Islam because of its function as a modest dress that coincides with Islamic rules on dress code. Basically, it is a way to honor cultural heritage while adhering to Islamic customs. However, the community encountered both obstacles and opportunities while dealing with the demands of modernization and holding onto their heritage. Studying its impact on cultural preservation provides valuable insights for future research.