The Legend of Urangadhat and the Development of the Cultural Industry of Phra That Phanom

Abstract

This research consists purposes were The Legend of Urangadhat and the Development of the Cultural Industry of Phra That Phanom. This study employed a qualitative research approach. The research instrument was a semi-structured interview and Observation form with a total of 36 purposively selected participants. Data verification was conducted using triangulation methods and the information obtained from relevant documents and interviews and Observation form was analyzed through content analysis. The research findings revealed that at present, Wat Phra That Phanom has become an area of development for a significant “cultural industry” in which the legend of Urankathat has been reproduced and reconstructed into seven types of cultural products 1) Cultural products related to “worshiping the relics” which include the worship of Phra That Phanom and the worship of ancestral relics 2) Cultural activities such as the Phra That Phanom Worship Festival 3) Religious amulets 4) Souvenirs 5) Food products 6) Music and performances and 7) Accommodation, specifically homestays. These cultural products reflect the tourism potential of the Phra That Phanom area, which continues to attract sustained public interest.