Comparative Study of Drum Musical Instruments in Thailand and China through Education and Literacy

This comparative study investigates the drum musical instruments in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China, through the lens of education and literacy. The objective is to explore how educational practices and literacy efforts influence the preservation and transformation of these traditions amidst modernization and globalization. Fieldwork, interviews, participant observation, and document analysis were conducted in these culturally rich regions. Six key informants, selected based on their expertise and involvement in drum music culture, provided insights into traditional and modern educational practices. Data were analyzed thematically, focusing on historical and cultural contexts, educational practices, literacy efforts, and comparative analysis. The study finds that both regions effectively blend traditional apprenticeship models with contemporary educational practices, ensuring the transmission of drum music cultures. Government policies and community initiatives play crucial roles in supporting these efforts. The findings highlight the importance of integrating cultural heritage into formal and informal educational frameworks to maintain cultural continuity. This research contributes to broader discussions on cultural preservation and provides strategies for sustaining traditional arts through education and literacy. The study suggests that policy-making, curriculum development, and community engagement are pivotal in preserving and revitalizing intangible cultural heritage in the face of globalization.