The Study of Thai Folk Culture Learning Resources: Case Study on the Myth of the Lake Bueng Phra-Ajarn, Amphur Onkarak, Nakornnayok

Abstract

The concept on the study of Thai Folk Culture Learning Resources: Case Study on the Myth of the lake Bueng Phra-Ajarn, Amphur Onkarak, Nakornnayok, is to study the history of Thai folk culture from the local myth of the lake Bueng Phra-Ajarn, Amphur Onkarak, Nakornnayok, and to study the use of the power of faith in the source of folk culture learning to promote the morality of youth in the local area of the lake Bueng Phra-Ajarn, Amphur Onkarak, Nakornnayok. The sample group consisted of those involved in maintaining and preserving the lake Bueng Phra-Ajarn, to maintain the beliefs and faith of the monks and the Buddhists in the local area of Wat Suntrarapichittaram (Wat Bueng-Phra-Ajarm/temple), and consisted of a group those involved in archaeological development in Nakornnayok province. The data is collected by document analysis and in-depth interview, analyzed results with content analysis techniques. From the study it is found that 1) From the history of the lake Bueng Phra-Ajarn, it could be about a flourished, prosperous ancient city, as old as the early Ayutthaya period but collapsed and disappeared with the flooding and there has been no evidence recorded, only a myth of a master of Buddhism (Phra Ajarn) who transformed himself into a crocodile living in this lake. It is also believed that this lake has a related story to the well known Buddha statue “ Luang-po Sothorn” 2) The results of using the power of faith towards the lake Bueng Phra-Ajarn of the local folks, is shown in the living style of the people in the community. It is shown in the intention of working, keeping the words and having gratitude towards the teacher which are the basic fundamental reason of the society, promoting the morality of youths in the local area of the lake Bueng Phra-Ajarn, enabling the local people of different faiths to be living happily together in harmony.

Keywords: Folk cultural resources, the lake Bueng Phra-Ajarn, promoting the morality of youths