Abstract:
The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the conflict situation of Wang Pha Dam villagers, Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen Province; 2) to study the reconciliation of the community of Wang Pha Dam villagers; 3) to apply the boat racing tradition to create reconciliation through Buddhist methods of Wang Pha Dam community. This study was carried out by means of quality research through studying related documents and fieldwork interviews of 25 key informants. The tool used in collecting data was the structured interview and the obtained data were interpreted by Descriptive Analysis.
The research results were as follows:
The problem of Ban Wang Pha Dam Community: the community problems can be separated as follows: (1) economic problems arisen from insufficient income compared with expenditure which was caused by agricultural losses resulting in borrowing of debts; (2) local political and social problems arisen from division according to local politics causing community weakness.
Reconciliation: the community has a community policy in organizing the boat racing tradition every year. Activities: The boat racing tradition is organized in conjunction with the Kathin ceremony of the temple. Creation of the group: there is a meeting to plan a joint work with the community in Pha Man District. Cultivating unity to create feelings: this is to apply principles of Dhammas and cultural traditions as a plan to harmonize the community by working together and monks act as spiritual leaders.
Application of boat racing tradition to create reconciliation through Buddhist methods: it is to bring Buddhist activities (Kathin Ceremony) to be harmonized with culture and traditions as a ploy to harmonize the community and also organizing folk games is to preserve the culture and traditions and to build unity in the Phu Pha Man community.