PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSERVATION OF HISTORICAL TEMPLE SITES IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

Objecrtives of this research article were: 1. To study the current state public participation in the conservation of temple historical sites in Samut Songkhram Province; 2. To study the factors associated with public participation in the conservation of historical temple sites in Samut Songkhram Province; and 3. To propose a model for public participation in the conservation of temple historical sites in Samut Songkhram Province, conducted by the mixed-methods research. The quantitative research, data were collected from 384 samples, local residents using a questionnaire and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The qualitative research, data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using descriptive content interpretation.

The research findings revealed that: 1. The overall current state public participation in the conservation of temple historical sites in Samut Songkhram Province were at a high level (= 3.58, S.D. = 1.06); 2. The factors associated with public participation comprised three factors: leadership, with leaders serving as positive role models; benefits and motivation, with local residents recognizing the spiritual and economic value of historical sites; and the structure of the participation process, including work organization, communication, the use of digital media, and support from external agencies; 3. The model of public participation in the conservation of historical temple sites in Samut Songkhram Province was developed based on the concepts of public participation and historical site conservation, integrating Sangahavatthu as the means of fostering harmony and cooperation and Sammappadhana as a framework for cultivating perseverance in conservation efforts. The model consisted of four stages: 1) Jointly raising awareness and acknowledging the existing situation, 2) Jointly determining appropriate directions for conservation, 3) Jointly undertaking field-based conservation activities, and 4) Jointly monitoring, evaluating, and maintaining the conservation outcomes.