THE OTHER SPACE OF THE FOLKWAYS IN THALE NOI COMMUNITY

Abstract

This article is based on research that explores the relationships between community ecosystems and the way of life in the context of modern development. This development has affected and changed the meaning and use of public space in community areas. The study considers the question of the meaning and the use of public space in traditional communities that relate to folkways and how they have changed in the present-day. The research used qualitative research methods and a holistic approach to examining the space through a framework of cultural ecology, community ecosystems, changes to socio-culture and the development of the government as tools for discussion. The aim of the study is to understand the phenomenon of meaning change and the use of space which correlates to the way of life, dimensions of social-culture and the physical development of the government at selected community public space sites both in the natural environment and the built environment at the ThaleNoi community in Phattalung Province. The study found that the traditional meaning and the use of space has become increasingly complex which occurred due to the adaptability of local people on the governmental policies.