Strategies Employed by the Locals in in the Process of Nominating Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple to be Inscribed on the World Heritage List

Abstract

This study was intended by the overwhelming progress of nominating Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple to be Inscribed on the World Heritage List. Such phenomenon intrigued me to investigate all involving groups in terms of their characteristics, differences from others, interconnection, strategies adopted for the nomination effort, related factors and their impacts on the nomination effort. A qualitative research design was employed through document search, observations, interviews a target group of 43 individuals, divided into two groups, namely the formal and informal. The study results revealed that dynamic of the nomination participation progressed in the midst of conflict between the formal also referred to as the government sector, or the civil society sector, each of which also harbor disagreements within the sector itself. The formal or government sector assumed the most prominent role because of its power and resourceful position. Its lead runs in alignment with the government’s mechanism. However, owning to the fact that its strategies did not significantly emphasize engagement with communities, the communities devised strategies to negotiate with the nomination committee. Despite that, the power over a steering wheel still belonged to the government.