Kindness and camaraderie in Thai village

In Thai village (Ea Kiet commune), whenever someone dies in the village, the villagers voluntarily contribute their labor and resources to help with the funeral arrangements. This is a beautiful cultural tradition that nurtures community spirit amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Buon Thai, Ea Kiet commune, was established in 1995, initially with only a few dozen Thai households who migrated from Nghe An province. The people not only built their lives in this new land but also preserved many beautiful traditional customs, including supporting each other in funeral arrangements whenever someone in the village passed away. This custom stems from the spirit of sharing and community solidarity.

People from the Thai ethnic minority community come to perform a ritual to pray for the health of the deceased's family.

Mr. Luong Van Thai was moved when he recalled the passing of his mother last November: “When my mother passed away, relatives and neighbors came to offer condolences, some contributing money, others helping with many tasks. Thanks to them, we were able to arrange my mother's funeral properly. Our family will never forget that kindness.”

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, it is these acts of kindness and compassion that create the unique identity of the village, where each villager always feels the protection of the community."

Nguyen Van Minh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ea Kiet Commune.

According to Mr. Vong Van Dong, Secretary of the Thai village Party branch, since the formation of Thai village, the people have voluntarily mobilized each other to contribute money and labor to support bereaved families, regardless of wealth or poverty. Based on this foundation, the village self-governance committee, in coordination with the Fatherland Front Committee and various associations and organizations, has effectively implemented this support, incorporating it into the village's regulations for long-term, systematic implementation.

A meeting of the Thai village Party branch discussed preserving the cultural identity of ethnic groups.

Initially, each household contributed only 5,000 VND per funeral. Over time, as funeral expenses increased, the contribution amount was adjusted to suit the economic conditions of the people: from 30,000 VND, then 50,000 VND, and by 2019 it had increased to 100,000 VND per funeral. Those with better financial means contributed more... All adjustments were discussed openly and democratically in community meetings and received high consensus. The income and expenditure were clearly documented, recording the total number of participating households, the total amount collected, and specific expenses.

Besides providing material support, after the funeral is completed, the next day the villagers will come to perform a ritual to pray for the health of the bereaved family. Some contribute money, others contribute labor to help the family organize a thank-you meal. "Every time, the villagers are always present in large numbers, some helping with the work, others offering encouragement. It is this spirit of solidarity that helps struggling families stay strong during times of hardship, preserving the traditional values ​​that the Thai people have cherished for generations," Mr. Dong expressed.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202512/nghia-tinh-o-buon-thai-e941a8b/