When traveling to the Shan, the ethnicity is similar

Abstract

This article aims to present a journey to areas inhabited by the Tai Yai people, which reveals the close relationship between the Tai Yai ethnic group and Thai society. A notable feature observed from the outset is their ability to communicate, as the Tai Yai language belongs to the Tai language family and is closely related to the Northern Thai dialect (Kam Mueang). The Tai Yai often establish their communities near temples, as temples serve as spiritual and cultural centers. Buddhism plays a vital role in shaping social structures and values, with monastic ordination regarded as a significant tradition. This practice enables Tai Yai youth to gain both secular and religious education, fostering intellectual development while preserving and transmitting traditional values into the present. The cultural identity of the Tai Yai is not static but dynamic, adapting to external factors such as state policies, tourism, and economic conditions. Such processes have led to the revival of traditions, the reproduction of cultural practices, and the creation of new forms of expression. These cultural manifestations are not merely acts of preservation but also function as negotiations within society and as claims for the right to coexist equally with other ethnic groups. Ultimately, this journey illustrates that the Tai Yai share cultural similarities with the Thai in terms of language, religion, and way of life, while also demonstrating their capacity to adapt flexibly to social and cultural transformations in contemporary contexts.