Study of the Cultural Identity of the Southern Isan People, Thai-Lao Tribes in Phutthaisong District, Buriram Province for the Creating Lam Plearn Performance Format for the Thai-Lao Phutthaisong Area DOI:

Abstract

The study of the cultural identity of the southern Isan people, specifically the Thai-Lao tribes in Phutthaisong District, Buriram Province, for the creation of a Lam Ploen performance format for the Thai-Lao Phutthaisong area aimed to: 1. Explore the historical and cultural background of the Southern Isan Thai-Lao tribes in Phutthaisong district residing in Ban Sira Raet, Ma-fuang Subdistrict, Phutthaisong District, Buriram Province. 2. Create a Lam Plearn performance format entitled “Lam Ploen Chom Thin Thai-Lao Chao Phutthaisong”, focusing on choreography, costumes, melody, lyrics, and traditional musical instruments. The sample group consisted of 18 individuals selected through purposive sampling: 12 female students majoring in Performing Arts from the Faculty of Education, Buriram Rajabhat University; one lyricist; one composer; two choreography designers; two costume and accessory designers; and three expert reviewers of the performance. Data collection involved both documentary research and fieldwork. The data were analyzed and presented using descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that the Thai-Lao community in Ban Sira Raet (formerly known as Ban Hua Haet) originated from migrations from Vientiane. Most villagers are descendants of the Thai-Lao from Chaiyaphum. The research composed the lyrics in Lam Ploen style, a musical form unique to the region, using the Chaiyaphum Lao dialect to reflect the community’s identity. The lyrics, together with the use of pong lang—a traditional Isan musical instrument—convey the essence of local culture and tradition. The performance creation includes a blend of newly choreographed dance movements and traditional Lam Ploen gestures. Five original dance moves (No. 9, 10, 11, 35, and 51) were developed and incorporated alongside basic Isan classical movements. The research’s intention is to establish this performance as a cultural signature of the Thai-Lao tribes in Phutthaisong district, preserving and promoting it as a local heritage for future generations.