AN ANALYSIS OF THE PHI FAI RITUAL: THE LOCAL WISDOM OF WATER MANAGEMENT IN LANNA COMMUNITY

Abstract

This article examines the Liang Phi Fai ritual, a form of cultural heritage and local wisdom in water resource management practiced by the Lanna communities. The study explores four key dimensions: (1) the historical and spiritual foundations that integrate animistic and Buddhist beliefs; (2) the ritual’s sociocultural function in overseeing weir maintenance, regulating water distribution, and fostering communal unity; (3) the evolving dynamics of the ritual across different regions through comparative field studies; and (4) the effects of economic, social, and technological transformations on its continuity. Findings indicate that Liang Phi Fai serves as an effective and equitable mechanism for managing common-pool water resources while also reinforcing cultural identity and promoting environmental stewardship. Nevertheless, the spread of capitalism, modernization of agriculture, and migration of the younger workforce have led to the ritual’s decline in various localities. In response, the article proposes astrategic framework—referred to as the "6 P’s": Preserve, Promote, Participate, Productize, Policy Integration, and Prescience—to revitalize and adapt the ritual’s values in line with contemporary sustainable development objectives.