THE LINKING OF LOCAL CULTURAL RESOURCES ALONG THE CHIANG RAI-CHIANG SAEN ANCIENT ROUTE.

Abstract

This research aims to study the linkages of local cultural resources along the ancient route between Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen. By adopting Geographic Information System, remote sensing and ancient maps were used to analyze the local culture in the area. This reseach also analyzes the linkages of local cultural sources from the past to the present, which have undergone a long lasting change. Also included was information obtained from the study to develop a database and local culture resources map.

            The study results: It is found that the route between Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen is an important route for trade relations, politics, and military marches. The settlement of the community, local culture, religious places and historical archaeological sites tell the history of the city in each period. It is important as a place to learn history and the development of the country. It is also a center of faith, belief and culture. There are also traditions related to the motto of faith, and the way of life of the local people. The practice of succession has become a pattern of later generations to practice and preserve. Important traditions are held each month throughout the year according to Lanna calendar. Some of the traditions are well-known throughout the world. Some traditions have been adapted to the context of space and time. It has a local identity and has attractive charms. Arts, crafts and wisdom related to the way people live in the community. Traditions are passed down from generation to generation. Both are inherited by the family system and transmitted through teacher and student systems or through education in the temple, etc. These are factors that make arts and crafts and wisdom which exist to the present. But amid the change of society and way of life. The inheritance of these arts changed from the past and resulted in knowledge. Wisdom changed, Modified and developed both artistic styles. Production and management changed through to the market system meet the needs of people in the changing society. "The name of the town" or “Toponym” shows the contextual connection of the community that is related to the area in the past and present. Physical characteristics, such as terrain, climate, plant and animal species, as well as social and cultural conditions of the local people that are relevant or related to the past, such as lifestyle, beliefs, values, occupations, myths and local history by the name of the village along the route between Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen can be classified into 7 areas: 1) varieties of geography and climates 2) an abundance of flora and fauna 3) local history 4) local legend and folktales. 5) folk life 6) folk belief and values 7) local governance.