Roles of Tang Kao in Ruam Trot Traditional Play in Surin Province DOI:

Abstract

Rueam Trod is a Songkran Festival of Thai - Khmer people who live in Prue village, Prasat district, Surin province, Thailand. It takes place from the first day of the new moon until the fourteenth day of the waning moon of the fifth lunar month (April). It is known in the Thai - Khmer language as "Care-Jed Religious Ceremony" which takes place during the same period as Thai New Year or Songkran Days (13 - 15 April). The play begins with a parade that brings joy to the people of the community, led by the “leader” called “Tang Kao.” The role of the leader is to bridge the gap between the community and the temple, between local beliefs and religious beliefs, and between people in the same community. In other words, by emphasizing the significance of local cultural uniqueness (in the South of Northeastern Thailand), the leader is regarded as the spiritual leader of the community to inherit the value and importance of preserving local culture and traditions for future generations.