The Participatory Development Process of Phi Bung Tao Costume Prototypes to Drive Creative Tourism in Phu Ruea District, Loei Province

Abstract

Phi Bung Tao is a new cuture in Phu Ruea District, Loei Province, originating from efforts to solve the problem of bottle gourd with irregular shapes that were difficult to sell and utilize. The community therefore creatively invented a spirit culture by crafting masks from these bottle gourds, blending them with the concept of Dvarapala giants, who are believed to protect Buddhism, into a form of Phi Bung Tao, as known as a generous giant, distinguished by the intricate patterns painted on their masks and adorned with unique local costumes. The community collaboratively elevated Phi Bung Tao to become part of the Phra Buddha Nawa Banpot worship tradition. Due to its novel ghostly form, the state sector promoted Phi Bung Tao as a tourism-oriented spirit. The community has continuously developed the Phi Bung Tao form to be more colorful and beautiful masks. However, this study found that the current Phi Bung Tao costumes were difficult to put on, and its ghostly image and behavior were perceived as lacking in vibrancy and fun. Consequently, there was a need to develop new costume prototypes for Phi Bung Tao, to be implemented across 1 municipality and 6 subdistricts, allowing each area to adapt the costume designs and development process to suit their local contexts. The development process consists of 7 steps: 1) Knowledge exchange stage, 2) Conceptual reflection and costume development guideline stage, 3) Draft design stage, 4) Draft critique stage, 5) Prototype production stage, 6) Prototype presentation stage, and 7) Prototype evaluation stage.