Digital Storytelling to Preserve Local Culture in Southern Thailand
Keywords:
digital storytelling, cultural preservation, Southern Thailand, intangible heritage, community engagement, digital heritageAbstract
This study examines the implementation of digital storytelling as a contemporary approach to preserving and promoting local cultural heritage in Southern Thailand. As globalization and modernization increasingly threaten traditional cultural practices, digital storytelling emerges as an innovative medium that bridges traditional knowledge with modern technology. This research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing semi-structured interviews with cultural practitioners, community leaders, and digital content creators across three southern provinces: Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The findings reveal that digital storytelling effectively engages younger generations, creates accessible cultural archives, and facilitates cross-cultural dialogue while maintaining cultural authenticity. Four key dimensions emerged from the analysis: technological integration in cultural preservation, community participation and empowerment, challenges in digital cultural representation, and sustainability of digital heritage initiatives. The study demonstrates that digital storytelling, when implemented with cultural sensitivity and community involvement, serves as a powerful tool for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary communication landscapes.
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