Adaptation to the Existence of Traditional Community District A Case of Study: Nang Loeng Community, Bangkok

Abstract

The urbanization of Bangkok has expanded since B.E. 2503 as a result of the Thai development policies on infrastructure aiming toward the economic development which affects its traditional communities particularly on physical, social, and economic dynamics. As the Nang Loeng community is one of the traditional communities in Bangkok and noted as one of the oldest communities with its importance in terms of trade, art, and culture since the beginning of the Rattanakosin period, the community has been affected by this development and other relevant situations. Nonetheless, the community has managed to sustainably maintain their ways of life, cultural identity, and its continued existence until now. In this regard, there are studies of its development and role of the Nang Loeng community including its adaptation leading to the suggestion and managerial approaches in support of the existence of the Nang Loeng community. The result of the study shows that the relationship between physical characteristics, social structure, economic activities, and environmental context has caused the role of the Nang Loeng community in each period. The result of the development and other relevant situations make the Nang Loeng community adjust through the systematic management that leads to the creation of the contemporary activities causing values and strengthens the capacity of cultural resources in the community. This reflects the system of activities that drives and maintains the community’s roles to continue the existence of their ways of life and cultural identity. Regarding the management, this study finds that the community is suggested on its efficiency of the management that should be jointly planned with the participation of or concerned agencies to point out the clear directional framework before continuing any processes. Regarding the organizational management, there should be the appointment of committees to process any order based on their expertise to coordinate and support the participation of the community’s members toward the utilization of resources and managing the learning process with aims to foster skills and acknowledgment of the community’s members. Regarding the evaluation, it requires a solid indicator of the whole process. This study, therefore, can be beneficial in accordance with the driving through the systematic management that creates the community’s continued existence including the academic benefaction to future scholars or others who are interested in the community perspectives and its adaptation to be referenced in their future studies.