Abstract:
This thesis aims to study the changing meaning of Shan martial arts (Lai Tai) under the context of cultural revival in Mae Hong Son province, modernity and the results of the development of Thailand over the past three decades resulting in continuous development in Mae Hong Son Province in terms of education, economy, lifestyle and also affecting the Shan peoples' culture. The Shan youths began to use less Shan language, lacking of their understanding and knowledge, and have no more pride in their history. They began to dress in less local clothing ; even the traditional rituals began to adjust to reflect the times that emphasized their convenience instead. The adjustment of the eighth edition of the National Economic and Social Development Plan is to focus on promoting tourism to generate income for the country. Thus, the local area has become an incentive for Shan people in Mac Hong Son Province to tum their attention to the resurgence of the culture that has begun to fade back and began to present the image of the city of Shan. Not only creating benefits in tourism, but it also strengthens the desire for the identity of the Shan people more. As a result, the Shan people in Mae Hong Son initiated the establishment of the Shan Education Center, the teaching and learning and conserving the Shan arts and culture by inviting knowledgeable people or specialists in various matters to be a conveyance to the youth and the public who are interested, such as teaching Shan language, preserving local clothing, food, traditions, including the Shan martial arts. This study aims to explain the meaning of the Lai Tai as a martial art of the Shan people, which is described through the concept of the body and masculinity to indicate the process of practising the Lai Tai of Shan people and taming both physical and mental of the Shan men through the practice of Lai Tai. The author analyzed ethnographic data collection using interviews, participatory observation by bringing myself to the training and finding that the Lai Tai has a dynamic from the ancient martial arts to the impressive performance on stage. To define meaning to the body as the Shan specialist is not only focusing on building strength or strong muscles but also a power the body.