Conflicts in Managing Chiang Mai's Abandoned Monasteries

Abstract

In Chiang Mai's old town district, there are many monasteries that are still standing, some 'living' and some abandoned. These abandoned monasteries stand in the modern environment without any direct policymaking from the official stakeholders concerning their upkeep or protection. In this way, the remains of abandoned sacred places face a hostile environment and their survival is threatened. Each place is used in various ways, such as being utilized for government offices, being used as sacred places of elementary schools, or existing among poor communities; some are in the process of being revitalized. Most of the problems they face involve local people and how long-term management of these locations can be secured. This study intends to elucidate the 2006 procedure of the Thai government Fine Arts Department (FAD) with respect to the ten abandoned monasteries of old town Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai's authenticity and cultural identity are crucial. People's understanding and interpretation about these key aspects of the city fluctuate and depend on the different 'goals' of the stakeholders. Seeking to understand Chiang Mai's true identity might be for a key factor in sustainable development of not only in tourism, but also the lives of local residents, and cultural heritage protection.