The Tradition of Worshipping and Covering the Phra Chulamani Chedi in Rai Khing Subdistrict, Sam Phran District Nakhon Pathom Province: Public Participation in the Conservation of Local Culture The Tradition of Worshipping and Covering the Phra Chulamani Chedi in Rai Khing Subdistrict, Sam Phran District Nakhon Pathom Province: Public Participation in the Conservation of Local Culture

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the problems of the worship and robe-offering tradition of Phra Chulamani Chedi in Rai Khing Subdistrict, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province; and 2) examine public participation in the conservation of local culture as a form of cultural wisdom heritage. The study employed a qualitative research approach. Data were collected from documentary sources and fieldwork through surveys, observations, and both structured and unstructured interviews. The key informants consisted of 16 local experts, 10 practitioners, and 6 general participants. The research instruments included observation forms and interview forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis.

          The findings revealed that: 1) the major problem of the worship and robe-offering tradition of Phra Chulamani Chedi was the lack of coordination and cooperation between the community and related organizations in identifying problems and their causes, planning, implementation, participation in activities, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The development approach should involve participatory processes through small group meetings, joint conclusions, and discussions in order to establish appropriate development guidelines. 2) Factors contributing to unsuccessful public participation included the lack of community involvement, decreasing awareness of the importance of cultural conservation, inconsistent participation of local agencies, and insufficient public relations. The proposed development process consisted of five steps: problem analysis and synthesis within the community, planning consistent with local ways of life, activity determination, activity implementation, and evaluation. These processes contributed to the conservation and development of the tradition, strengthened the community, and enabled the dissemination of its unique cultural identity to the wider public in a sustainable manner.