The Construction of Community Identity of the Silk Weaving Group in the Context of the State and Contemporary Society: A Case Study of Ban Phon, Kham Muang District, Kalasin Province

This research aims to study the process of constructing community identity among the silk weaving group in Ban Phon, Kham Muang District, Kalasin Province, within the context of the state and contemporary society. It also seeks to analyze the social, cultural, and governmental factors influencing the preservation and transformation of such identity. This study employed a qualitative research methodology, using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. The key informants totaled 25 persons, consisting of 5 community leaders, 8 local silk weavers, 4 entrepreneurs, 4 government officers, 2 academic experts, and 2 cultural tourists.The findings revealed that the identity of the Ban Phon silk weaving community has been constructed and reshaped through various social processes and state policies, particularly those promoting the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) project, creative economy initiatives, and digital media for cultural communication. The image of "Phrae Wa Silk of Ban Phon" has become a cultural symbol reflecting both local pride and modern Thai identity. However, the changes brought by the digital era have led to the reinterpretation of identity in multiple dimensions—cultural, economic, and social. Therefore, identity construction is not merely a process of preservation but also a dynamic adaptation of the community to contemporary social transformations.