Network of Wat Promrat and Utility of Cultural Capital for Conservation of History and Local Wisdom Promotion

Abstract

The community strength accompanying with ancestral cultural capital can be used to Promote the proud of ancestral and local identification. Moreover, this is the significant base to develop and enhance the better community’s quality of life. This research article aims to study network building and participation of Wat Promrat Community, Pak Thongchai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, in distributing cultural-social culture to conserve history and promote the local wisdom. This study used qualitative research which data was gathered by Non-participant Observation method and interview of key informants; including the abbot and committees of Wat Promrat, community leaders and moral women’s group. The concepts community participation and cultural and social capital are the framework of phenomenon study.

          The findings of research revealed that 1) the network of Wat Promrat was established by desire and vision of the abbot of Wat Promrat; Prakru (Provost) Kosonthamwiboon, the deputy primate of Pak Thongchai district. The abbot wanted to conserve the cultural heritage (archaeological site and antiquities and handicraft tools for lifelong learning. The cooperation of community leaders, people and public sector (Ministry of Culture) are important factors to establish the learning center of history and local wisdom study. 2) The cultural and social capital was applied to promote the history and local wisdom learning was categorized into 2 dimensions. Firstly, to establish the Museum of Wat Promrat which exhibit carved stone pedestal, ancient jars, pots, weapons and bowls, that found in the community to describe the old-time living. Secondly, the establishment of Moral Women’ group of Wat Promrat is the way of increasing income of community by creating the famous local foods (rice noodle recipe) to be the OTOP products.