Pinthira Wankarem, a student in the ASEAN Studies Program at the School of Political Science and Laws, produced an Indonesian language article titled “Baju Baru di Tradisi Chak Phra” (New Garments in Chak Phra Tradition) that was published on April 11, 2021 in the Indonesian daily Surya.

Pinthira conveyed the Chak Phra tradition, which is the most significant in southern Thailand, to Indonesian readers in this article. She clarified and provided facts for readers about how this practice is linked to the culture, beliefs, and way of life of people who are bound by water. It is a joyous ritual with bright colors, both in the customary décor of the “Buddha Boat” and in the clothing of those attending the celebration. Despite the fact that we live in the age of social media, this custom is still alive and well in southern Thailand.

The Surya is the most widely read newspaper in East Java, Indonesia. Surya has devoted significant attention to articles concentrating on the society and culture of neighboring countries, including Thailand, in addition to local news. Pinthira’s piece, as well as other articles published in the Surya by ASEAN Studies Program students, were the results of online Indonesian language classes they took with Indonesian lecturers from the State University of Malang during the second and third semesters of the 2020 academic year.

This article was also published online as “Chak Pra, Tradisi Meminta Hujan di Thailand Selatan, Setiap Orang Harus Pakai Baju Baru.” Those who are interested in reading it may do so here:

https://surabaya.tribunnews.com/2021/05/03/chak-pra-tradisi-meminta-hujan-di-thailand-selatan-setiap-orang-harus-pakai-baju-baru?page=3
(Featured image credit: https://www.andamandiscoveries.com)