Research & Article

The purpose of this article was to study the role of Thai and Vietnamese youth on preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage, focusing on Khon Performance of Thailand and Xoan singing of Vietnam. The research design was qualitative. The data were collected using literature review and in-depth interviews with senior Thai artists, senior Vietnamese artists, Thai youths and Vietnamese youths. The findings of this study revealed that:

1. Thai and Vietnamese youth play a significant role in preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage to the public by creating a platform where people can show their own cultural identity through intangible heritage phenomenon to help people understand the problem and the role of preserving and promoting the culture.

2. Government and community play an important role in supporting the study of heritage by educating young people about the intangible cultural heritage and emphasizing its values to human beings all over the world. When the youths know the core values and the beauty of intangible culture heritage, they will respectfully preserve and promote it.