Abstract:
The purposes of this research are to investigate and collect publications in the field of Thai customs, to analyse and evaluate them and to abstract and index each item for the use of reference librarians, students and researchers who conduct research in the field of humanities and the social sciences. Documentary research is utilized in the investigation of publications of various subjects in the Central Library, Chulalongkorn University and in the National Library. Library science approach is used as the method of evaluation. By examining thoroughly a great number of publications in this field in the two libraries, it can be said that there are quite a few publications in this field. Moreover, Thai customs are also included as parts of books in Thai history and literature. Of 129 items studied, 55 are books, 60 are documents published from 91 inscriptions, chronicles and annals, and 14 are parts of publications on literature. These sources may be consulted in the study of customs on life cycles and social customs from the Sukhothai period up to the present time. As for the contents, all publications studied not only focus on the knowledge of customs but also present the Thai societies and culture which are the important structure of customs.