Change in the perception of the Naga fireballs : a case study of Amphoe Phon Pisai, Changwat Nong Khai

Abstract

This research has objectives in exploring the traditional perception of the Naga fireballs in Amphoe Phon Pisai and analyzing the factors contribute towards its change in the perception. Questionnaires and in-dept interview were used as data collection tool. For the people of Phon Pisai, the Naga fireballs or 'Bungfai Phayanaak' are originally perceived as 'Bungfai phii' or "Lukfai nam'. There is no evidence showing that local people connects these mysterious fireballs with the Naga. Later, the attempt in relating the mysterious fireballs to the Naga belief, which has been rooted in their society for several centuries, has been made. It results in the change in the perceptin of 'Bungfai phii' or 'Lukfai nam' to become the perception of Bungfai Phayanaak'. It can be said that local people perceive the mysterious fireballs rising from the Mekong River as the creation of the Naga. However, the change in the perception of local people dose not stop. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has played an important role in promoting the Naga fireballs to the nationwide which results in the diversity of the new perceptions. The new perception that the young local people accept is the scientific explanation. In addition, the phenomenon. which used to be perceived as the sacred one, becomes profane because of the change in the perception among local people.