The legend of “Phrakaewpluekmok”: The comparison of meaning in the context of Siam, Bru and Lao culture

Abstract

This article is a comparison of the legend of “Phrakaewpluekmok” which has dynamic meaning in the context of Siam, Bru and Lao culture. When bringing Phrakaewpluekmok from Champasak, dominated by Siam, Siamese leaders used a belief of charisma and claimed that Phrakaewpluekmok was proper for a charismatic king only. Previously Phrakaewpluekmok had never been placed in Siam before, and when enshrined at Thai state, Phrakaewpluekmok has sacred force to bring prosperity to the kingdom. Meanwhile, the Bru ethnic group (Champasak, Lao PDR), Kha who discover Phrakaewpluekmok, defined that Phrakaewpluekmok was a sacred thing and was why they became “Khaphrakaew” who received an exceptional status under rule. At present, they integrated into Lao culture and local people have meanfully carried on and reproduced Phrakaewpluekmok’s tale. They pray to Phrakaewpluekmok every day and worship every year. In this way, it exemplifies the dynamic meaning of the legend of Phrakaewpluekmok, while not meaningful to Siam elite, it still has meaning to local Lao people who negotiate its definition.