THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SOUTHERN THAI CULTURE: THE CREATION OF SOUTHERN IDENTITY IN THE THAINESS CONTEXT

Abstract

This research article aims to analyze and present the establishment of the emotions and southern identity by Professor Suthiwong Phongpaiboon as appeared in the Encyclopedia of Southern Thai Culture, by studying through the Encyclopedia of Southern Culture (1986), the Encyclopedia of Southern Thai Culture (1999), and the Encyclopedia of Southern Thai Culture (additional edition - 2011) according to historical research methods and presented in the form of an analytical description. The research results found that the establishment of the emotions and southern identity by Professor Suthiwong Phongpaiboon, which appeared in the Encyclopedia of Southern Thai Culture, is divided into 2 parts : 1) The life, works, roles and academic networks of Professor Suthiwong Phongpaiboon: The formation of local identity in the context of Thainess . 2). From “Encyclopedia of Southern Culture” to “Encyclopedia of Southern Thai Culture”: the establisment of emotions, feelings, and southern identity which Relate to Thainess. With the intention and success of Professor Suthiwong Phongpaiboon who wants to present the value and wisdom of local heritage to the national and international levels, the Encyclopedia of Southern Thai Culture has been the driving force behind the Thai Cultural Encyclopedia of all four regions (North, Northeast, Central, and South). The Encyclopedia of Southern Thai Culture has created a standard set of descriptions and knowledge about art, culture, language, history, government, society, important places, occupations, beliefs and traditions, important people, nature, environment, weighing and measuring systems, ethnic groups and games of each area,through self-explanation of the surrounding environment, the local southern community and the nation. This has created a sense of belonging and established a southern identity that expresses local identity or localism that is related to a sense of nationality and Thainess at the same time.