IDENTIFYING THE POTENTIAL HERITAGE FOR ECOMUSEUM ESTABLISHMENT: A CASE STUDY OF A THAI COASTAL FISHING COMMUNITY

Abstract

This study aimed to identify potential heritage resources of a Thai coastal community that could be presented if an ecomuseum were to be established. Through participatory action research, the study sought to involve the community in identifying, surveying, exploring, and selecting potential heritages. Additionally, two training courses were developed to educate participants about the ecomuseum concept and equip them with skills in data collection to ensure they gathered comprehensive and accurate information about each heritage. The study revealed 76 potential cultural and natural heritage resources, including food, local fishing tools, agriculture and animal husbandry, basketry, architecture, language, beliefs, legends, songs and collective memories, beaches, forests, mangroves, marine, and biodiversity. The community working committee also created heritage selection criteria to determine the final heritage to be included in the ecomuseum. The results of this study can be useful for other coastal communities seeking alternative solutions to preserving natural and cultural resources.