Legal Measures for Protection of Historical Communities in Thailand

Abstract

This article presents a study on legal measures for the protection of historical communities in Thailand. The study was conducted as qualitative research by analyzing law documents and presenting through description. The study found that the Act on Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums, B.E. 2504 (1961) as amended by Act (No.2), B.E. 2535 (1992) as the existing main law imposed some limitations on the protection of historical community areas. This was due to the intention of the law aimed at the protection of antiques and most of the ancient sites belongs to the state. The protection did not cover the historical communities surrounding where the majority of private owners or occupants of the properties lived. Therefore, this historical site law was not regarded suitable to protect the historical communities. For this reason, it was suggested that legal measures be issued as specific laws so that...