Historical Area and Culture of Si Chan Temple, Na Aor Village, Mueang District, Loei Province: The Management of Learning Sources and Community Tourism

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) study the historical area and cultural context of Si Chan Temple, Na Aor Village, Mueang District, Loei Province; and 2) study the management of learning sources and tourism area at Si Chan Temple, Na Aor Village, Mueang District, Loei Province. The target group consisted of 20 informants, including members of the tourism management group, cultural academic scholars, the abbot of Si Chan Temple, community scholars, representatives of the villagers, homestay entrepreneurs, interpreters, teachers, and representatives of Na Aor Sub-district Municipality, all obtained by the purposive sampling method. The data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions. Content analysis was implemented for data analysis. The outcomes were as follows: 1) the historical and cultural area of Si Chan Temple was built along with Na Aor Village around 1693 and developed over time with the cultural objects contained in the temple, including Ban Thai Loei, the museum, and the antique French lavatory; and 2) the details of the management for learning and tourism area were as follows: (1) creating cooperation between the Na Aor Community, Si Chan Temple, and Na Aor Sub-district Municipality; (2) setting up rules and conditions for visiting the area; (3) organizing the temple’s learning spaces, which were divided into an open area for studying Ban Thai Loei and the antique French lavatory, and a closed location for museum learning; and (4) exchange of knowledge for development and moving forward.