CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION: THE CASE OF THE KHLONG BANGPHO MUSLIMS, THAILAND

The study explores the relationship between cultural sustainability and community communication in the Khlong Bangpho Muslim community in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, within the context of Bangkok's rapid urbanization. This study employs qualitative methods such as interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation to examine how the Malay–Muslim minority negotiates and maintains its cultural identity in the context of urban development, technological change, and evolving socio-economic conditions. The findings indicate that strong family connections, religious organizations, and effective communication methods, including traditional oral practices and digital media, are essential for preserving cultural heritage and promoting intergenerational transmission. This study presents the K-BELI Model, a systematic framework designed to empower knowledge carriers, bridge generational divides, integrate faith into community life, encourage local media production, and foster an inclusive identity. Recommendations are presented for the integration of cultural communication into urban policy, education, and community development. The Khlong Bangpho case illustrates the resilience and adaptability of minority communities, highlighting the essential role of participatory communication in fostering cultural sustainability and inclusive urban governance in modern Thailand.