CONSERVATION OF ANCIENT SITES AND ANTIQUES OF YAI PHO HAK TEMPLE AT BANG PAE DISTRICT IN RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this search article were: 1. to study the level of conservation of ancient monuments and antiques at Wat Yai Pho Hak, Bang Phae District, Ratchaburi Province, 2. to compare the levels of conservation of ancient monuments and antiques at Wat Yai Pho Hak classified by personal factors, and 3. to study the problems, obstacles, and suggestions for the conservation of ancient monuments and antiques at Wat Yai Pho Hak. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative research used questionnaires to collect data from 386 residents in the Wat Yai Pho Hak area, analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and F-test. Qualitative research involved documentary analysis and interviews with 9 key informants, using content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1. the overall conservation of ancient monuments and antiques at Wat Yai Pho Hak was at a high level. The aspect with the highest mean was providing knowledge to the public, followed by cooperation with government agencies and maintenance, respectively. 2. Comparative analysis revealed that residents with different genders, ages, education levels, and occupations showed no difference in their practices, while those with different income levels showed a statistically significant difference; and 3. Key problems were the lack of restoration knowledge and deterioration due to environmental changes. Recommendations suggested that all relevant agencies must collaborate to provide proper restoration knowledge and systematically prevent damage to ancient monuments and artifacts.