The Political Role of Community Leaders Affecting the Preservation of the Tai Dam Ethnic Identity in Chiang Khan District, Loei Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study: (1) the preservation of the ethnic identity of the Tai Dam people in Chiang Khan District, Loei Province; (2) the political role of community leaders affecting the preservation of Tai Dam ethnic identity; and (3) strategies to empower ethnic groups through political participation. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, collecting data through in-depth interviews with 20 key informants, including community leaders, village elders, local scholars, representatives from cultural centers and educational institutions, and Tai Dam villagers in the study area. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that: 1. The preservation of the Tai Dam identity is manifested through the intergenerational transmission of language, traditional clothing, wedding customs, ritual practices, and ways of life rooted in ancestral culture. 2. Community leaders play a vital role in driving cultural activities at both village and sub-district levels, supporting budget allocations, participating in local policy formulation, and serving as intermediaries between the community and the state in negotiating cultural identity issues. And 3. Empowerment strategies for ethnic groups should be based on fostering a sense of cultural ownership among youth, promoting the role of community leaders, and creating public spaces for ethnic groups to have a voice in policymaking.
The study indicates that community leaders can act as crucial political mechanisms in preserving and transforming ethnic identity into social, cultural, and economic capital that contributes to the sustainable development of ethnic groups. These findings may serve as policy guidelines to support other ethnic groups in preserving their cultural heritage and promoting active social engagement.