CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT OF THE KAREN ETHNIC COMMUNITY, BAN BANG KLOI, PHETCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research entitled “Cultural Heritage Management of the Karen Ethnic Community in Ban Bang Kloi, Phetchaburi Province” aimed to: 1) examine the patterns and processes of cultural heritage management; 2) develop a creative cultural heritage management map; and 3) promote cultural heritage toward sustainable cultural tourism development. The study employed a mixed-methods research design integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches concurrently. The quantitative sample consisted of 350 participants, including community leaders, local residents, academics, and ethnic network representatives, selected through convenience sampling. The qualitative phase involved 15 key informants selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included in-depth interview guides and five-point Likert-scale questionnaires. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and content analysis.

The findings revealed that “rotational farming” served as the core of cultural heritage management, functioning not only as a production system but also as a cultural ecological system integrating beliefs, rituals, and indigenous knowledge. The overall level of community strength in cultural heritage management was at the highest level (x̄ = 4.22, S.D. = 0.87). The dimension with the highest mean score was the intention to preserve cultural heritage for future generations (x̄ = 4.31, S.D. = 0.82). In addition, the study developed a creative cultural mapping framework linking cultural spaces with eco-cultural tourism and ethnic way-of-life learning. The new body of knowledge derived from this study is the “3Cs Model,” consisting of Cultural Root, Community Strength, and Creative Integration. This model serves as a conceptual framework for cultural heritage management among ethnic communities based on participation, sustainability, and respect for cultural rights.