Reflecting the Culture of Thailand’s Northeastern Region in Animation: A Case Study of the Project

The Thai government recently introduced the "One Family One Soft Power" (OFOS) policy to enhance soft power by integrating traditional cultural assets with creative industries, aiming to increase cultural influence in the global market. As part of this policy, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) is producing an animation, , based on regional stories from the Mekong River area with government support. This work, grounded in the traditi onal culture and beliefs of the Isan region in northeastern Thailand, particularly focuses on the Naga (NaKee) belief, aim ing to redefine Thailand’s regional identity. Isan, consisting of 20 provinces along the Mekong River bordering Laos and Cambodia, has historically held a marginalized identity due to frequent changes in ruling powers and its economic and p olitical isolation within Thailand. This study examines how the project seeks to preserve Isan culture and pr omote "gentle national integration" by embracing the diversity of Thailand’s marginalized regions. Through this, it explo res the potential for soft industries, like animation, to serve as tools for cultural preservation and inclusion.

Key Words: Local Storytelling, Animation, Isan,Nakee