Trang chủ

PREFACE

As a “son-in-law of Ubon” who has resided in Thailand since 1955, I can say with pride that Thailand is truly a second home. During the past two decades I have tried, through both my work with The Asia Foundation and my schol­arly writings, to repay my debt to this country which has given me so much happiness and contentment. I have published numerous articles in both Thai and English language periodicals with the hope that they might contribute to a better understanding of rural Thailand and specifically the northeastern region. This present volume is largely a collection of these articles with addit­ional background material concerning the village where I did my field work. There are also several articles concerning the role of Buddhism in modern society, a subject of abiding interest to me both in personal and- academic terms. In most instances, I have used the northeast dialect variations of central Thai words. In transcribing these words into the roman alphabet, I have attempted to reproduce the sound and tone to as great a degree as possible.

I am forever in a debt of merit to my Thai mentors, revered elders and friends who have given so graciously of their time, knowledge, compassion and understanding and encouraged me in my scholarly pursuits. I would like to take this opportunity to particularly thank the late Phya Anuman Rajadhon, the late H.H. Prince Dhanỉ Nivat, Kromamun Bidyalabh, H.E. Nai Sanya Dharmasakti, Judge Sansern Kraichitti, Police Colonel Wasit Dejkunjara, Nai Pakorn Angsusingha. Nai Nikhora Chandravithun, Nai Chalerm Thongsripong, Nai Pataya Saihoo, and Nai Sulak Sivaraksa.

For more than fifteen years I have profiited in the realm of the spirit, as well as the mind, from the wise counsel and guidance of Phra Bhromkunaporn, Wat Saket; Phra Dhammatajamuni, Wat Thepsirin; and Phra Rajavoramuni, Wat Phra Piren. These acharns have my everlasting respect and reverence. I also wish to express my gratitude to Nai Abhai Chandavimol who not only gave me valuable counsel and assistance in establishing myself in the Ubon community but also gave me my Thai name, Burana. Nai Prasong Rangsi- watana of the Ministry of Education assisted me in numerous ways thoughout my year in Ubon, and Ỉ am very appreciative.

I am also indebted to the Ford Foundation Foreign Area Fellowship Pro­gram which provided funds to enable me to undertake graduate study at Yale University and field research in Ubon.

I deeply appreciate permission given for the reprinting of articles which appeared in the following publications:

The Social Science Review, The Journal of Social Sciences, Visakha Puja

SAW ADD I, The Journal of the Siam Society and Social

Service in Thailand, Department of Public Welfare.

And lastly, I must thank my wife, Karapan, who has done far more than provide the usual tea and sympathy that authors’ wives dispense. She has shared her insights into village life and her personal knowledge of that life with me. Without her assistance, this book could not have been written.

William J. Klausner

Bangkok

December 1974

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION                                      1

CHAPTER      1. Ceremonies and Festivals in a Northeastern Thai village

2. Nak Aw, Bao Su: The Work Cycle in a Northeastern Thai Village
3. The “Cool Heart”
4. The Ideal Villager: A Portrait
5. Siang Miang: Folk Hero
6. Sex & Morality in a Northeasern Thai Village: Ideal and Practice
7. In-Law Tales
8. Popular Buddhism in Northeast Thailand
9. Hub Paw Tales
10. The Sàng ha and Social Activities
11. Buddhist Universities Under Royal Patronage:

                        A Tribute to His Majesty, the King

2. Wat Isan
3. The Northeast Migration Problem
4. The World and Nong Khon: Continuity and Change
5. Outline of Guide to Rural Workers

Afterword