A STUDY OF PARTICIPATIVE CONSERVATION OF MURAL PAINTINGS AT WAT PHO TRARAM AND WAT PA-RERAI IN MAHA

Abstract

During the last decade, Thailand has established many national, cultural conservation projects by focusing on the operational links between the government sector, private organizations and local communities. One project the author is interested in is a project which focuses on the conservation of mural paintings (Hoop – Tam) in Wat Pho Tharam and Wat Pa-Rerai in Maha Sarakham Province which finished in 2008. The outcomes of this project highlight both the positive and negative aspects of this type and work and will hopefully lead to future improvements and an increase in the development potential of participatory conservation.

This study of project conservation looks at the process of interoperability between government, private organizations, educational institutions and the local community. This includes the analysis of problems and the monitoring of projects in order to propose suitable guidelines for the participation in the conservation of mural paintings. The results indicate the following; 1) Guidelines for creating a network of participation from both within and outside the community. 2) Guidelines for the planning stage of operations. lines for establishing an activity group. These findings can be applied to other cooperation projects to maximize the benefits and lead to greater unity with the country.