Abstract:
This thesis aims to examine the creativity and success factors of Takhianthong Goddess
Boat, The Millionaire Golden Boat or Setthi Rueathong in Thai pronunciation, at Phunoi Temple,
Ban Mi district, Lop Buri province. The data was collected from document, IT resources, and field
trip through observation and interview during June 2018 to March 2019.
It was found that the worship began in 1973 during the reign of Luang Poo (senior Buddist
monk) Ban Chantasaro, the first abbot monk who initiated this ritual and it has lasted until the
present which is the reign of Pra Soponpattanakun, the present abbot monk. The creativity could
be divided into three ways: 1. the identity development for the believers, 2. the ritual initiation,
and 3. the success of the ritual initiation. The identity was developed through the development of
mindset and customary practice, and adherent symbol creation. The ritual initiation could be seen
in four forms: conserving the traditional practice, altering some details of the traditional practice,
adding some complication into the traditional practice, and merging the traditional practice with
other rituals. The success of the ritual initiation was evidenced from the establishment of on-line
community and the Setthi Rueathong Foundation.
The success of Takhianthong Goddess Boat was from 6 factors. The first factor was the
presentation of the sacredness of Luang Poo Ban Chantasaro and Pra Soponpattanakun. The
second factor was the creation of unique belief through the initiation of customary practice, ritual,
and unique amulet making. The third factor was the cleaver linkage of amulet price with the
donation for meritorious deeds. The fourth factor was the inducement for the believers and the
tourists to believe that the area of the temple was holy. The fifth was the promotional media
including the Setthi Rueathong sticker, facebook, and song sung by popular singers. The sixth
was the presentation of the Takhianthong Goddess Boat as a mental supporting agent when the
believers faced problematic circumstances.
Takhianthong Goddess Boat was like a center of faith and mental support for people to
live their lives in consumerism society of the believers.