SINGORA TO SINGHANAKHON: A HISTORICAL LEARNING ROUTE

Abstract

This article aims to: 1) Explore and compile historical learning resources within the Singhanakhon Town Municipality, and 2) Develop historical learning routes within the municipality. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, purposive sampling was employed to select 31 key informants, including municipal officials, community leaders, and local experts. Data were collected via unstructured in-depth interview, and analyzed using content analysis to synthesize an overall overview. ​The findings reveal that the historical learning routes can be mapped chronologically, spanning from the Srivijaya period to the old Songkhla towns of Hua Khao Daeng and Laem Son. The compiled data are categorized into three primary typologies: 1) Fortifications, 2) Prominent historical figures, and 3) Religious sites. These findings have been integrated into an online learning module, “HU MOOC,” hosted on Hat Yai University’s Lifelong Learning platform. Furthermore, two distinct learning routes were designed: 1) Route 1 (From Srivijaya to the Old Songkhla Town of Hua Khao Daeng) and 2) Route 2 (The Old Songkhla Town of Laem Son-Four Temples). These routes offer versatile frameworks that can be further leveraged to design various forms of community-based participatory tourism. ​The results underscore that developing historical learning routes can effectively catalyze sustainable community-based tourism. Relevant public and private sectors should collaborate on spatial development initiatives to promote the area’s distinctive historical dimensions. This can be achieved through online media channels or activities designed to raise awareness of the historical value of these sites among local youth and the general public. Additionally, the municipality should enhance the learning routes and infrastructure to accommodate incoming tourists, particularly those from Malaysia.