Takha: The Dharma Heirs of Phra Bat Huai Tom Community

Abstract

This study is a religious ethnographic research that aims to investigate the role of the Takha as spiritual and community leaders who follow the teachings of Khruba Wong. The focus is on how their practices contribute to the preservation of religious identity and the promotion of social development in the Phra Bat Huai Tom community, Li District, Lamphun Province. The research employed semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis as its primary tools. Data were collected through document analysis, participant observation, and interviews with ten Takha as the key informants. The information was analyzed using inductive content analysis in order to identify patterns and themes grounded in the participants’ lived experiences. The findings reveal that the Takha fulfill three major roles. First, they serve as ritual and spiritual leaders, presiding over significant religious ceremonies to sustain faith and transmit the spiritual heritage of Khruba Wong. Second, they act as social and moral leaders by providing advice, mediating conflicts, and coordinating with governmental agencies. Third, they perform the role of cultural transmitters, serving as intermediaries in passing on cultural values and identities to younger generations. These roles collectively contribute to reducing internal community problems, strengthening trust and ethical practices, and fostering social capital, thereby supporting the resilience and sustainable development of the community.