It is necessary to preserve and promote the cultural values ​​of the Thai ethnic group.

(Baonghean.vn) -This was a key issue highlighted at the 8th National Conference on Thai Studies held in Con Cuong, Nghe An.This is a rare opportunity for scientists and lovers of Thai culture to discuss the Thai community and the Tai-Thai language family.

Attending the conference were comrades: Phan Van Hung - Deputy Minister, Vice Chairman of the Committee for Ethnic Minorities; Le Minh Thong - Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province.

The National Conference on Thai Studies in Vietnam took place on June 24th and 25th in Con Cuong district, Nghe An province. Forest conservation, water resource management, creating livelihoods for ethnic minority communities, and developing community tourism were among the key topics of interest at the 8th National Conference on Thai Studies in Vietnam.

A dance performance showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Thailand at the conference. Photo: Huu Vi.

The National Conference on Thai Studies is held every two years by the Vietnam Thai Studies Program. Established in 1989 and affiliated with the Vietnam Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Science, this program focuses on research into the Thai community and the Kadai group, which includes ethnic groups within the Tay-Thai language family such as the Tay-Nung, Pu-Peo, Giay, and Lu. The theme of this year's conference is "Promoting the role of the cultural identity of the Thai-Kadai ethnic groups in integration and sustainable development."

Comrade Le Minh Thong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province, stated that the Thai people are a community rich in cultural identity. Photo: Huu Vi

Twenty-five papers were presented by leading ethnographers and non-specialist authors from across the country, covering various fields and discussing the communities of ethnic groups such as the Thai, Tay, Nung, Lu, and Pu Peo. These papers addressed key issues such as indigenous knowledge in forest and water resource conservation, and the integration of resettled communities affected by the Son La Hydropower Plant.

The discussions also delved into issues such as community tourism development and the preservation of ethnic cultural identity. Topics included the contributions of clan chieftains to the social development of mountainous regions and the creation of livelihoods for the people through crop rotation practices.

Comrade Phan Van Hung - Deputy Minister, Vice Chairman of the Committee for Ethnic Minorities Affairs, speaks at the 8th Thai Studies Conference. Photo: Huu Vi

The Nghe An delegation submitted seven papers to the conference. These papers delved into issues such as community tourism development, the current situation and challenges in the use of natural resources, and creating livelihoods from the intercropping and shifting cultivation practices of the Thai ethnic community.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Le Minh Thong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province, stated that the Thai people in Nghe An currently number approximately 324,000. This ethnic minority community possesses diverse and rich cultural characteristics. The Thai people also have the ability to breathe new life into nature. This ability stems from their rich history and culture. Therefore, the preservation and promotion of the cultural values ​​of the Thai people must always be prioritized, contributing to enriching the diversity of Vietnamese national culture.

Huu Vi