CULTURAL LANDSCAPE CHANGES FROM FAITH: A CASE STUDY OF WAT CHEDI (AI KHAI), SICHON, NAKHON SI THAMMARAT

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were to 1) Study the changes in the cultural landscapes of Wat Chedi (Ai Khai), Sichon, Nakhon Si Thammarat province and 2) Examine the factors affecting the changes in the cultural landscapes of Wat Chedi (Ai Khai). This research is qualitative research that mainly focuses on field data collection within the area. The researchers studied the changes in cultural landscapes of Wat Chedi (Ai Khai) and nearby communities by collecting the data of the area location and the surrounding context using a comparative study of aerial photography data, collecting area information from physical surveys, observing the activities and interviewing 20 staff of Wat Chedi, and residents from surrounding communities. The qualitative research findings indicated that 1) Wat Chedi (Ai Khai) has undergone dramatic and dynamic changes in the cultural landscapes, especially with changes in the extent and the size of Wat Chedi that increased 22 times from the year 1957 (B.E. 2500), There has been the improvement of the landscape and environment within the temple. Changed in the layout of the vacant area and the construction of new buildings to be sufficient to support the activities of many visitors to the temple as well as changing the context and land use around the temple and nearby communities, and 2) Faith in Ai Khai, Wat Chedi is the main factor affecting the change in the cultural landscape of Wat Chedi (Ai Khai), which has changed dramatically in a short period. In addition, the land use around the temple and nearby communities have changed due to tourism and worship activities, resulting in a positive effect on the economy in the area and surrounding communities.