Revival of Cultural Identity of Khemaratthani City

Abstract

Abstract

        The article aimed to study the root causes leading to the restoration of the cultural identity of Khemaratthani city, to explore the procedures in revitalizing the cultural identity, and to examine the results from the restoration in question. The research was conducted by studying relevant documents, research works, books, texts on the history of Khemarat, local groups as well as the past pictures that recorded important events as regards the restoration of the cultural identity. The work also included a field survey in the Khemmart areas and the municipality area, an interview of persons concerned with activities in restoring the cultural identity. The subjects concerned included the city mayor, a district chief, district culture officers, the local elderly, and those well-versed in the local wisdom.

        The research findings were as follows:

1. The main cause that led to the restoration of the cultural identity came from the consciousness of the locals who viewed that Khemarat was one of the old cities in northeastern Thailand. To them, Khemarat was as important as its neighboring cities like Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothorn. As a result, they wanted to make people aware of the important role played by the city in the past.


2. Concerning the restoration and revitalization of the cultural identity, the following were undertaken: restoration of the city through the historical book, restoration of the identity through the cultural activities held by the locals, restoration by means of repairmen and improvement of the monasteries, and restoration of the important historical sites and restoration of the cultural identity through the shirt souvenir.


3. The outcomes resulting from the effort to restore the cultural identity were the local residents were proud of themselves to have lived in the old place like the Khemarat city. In addition, more people came to the city as a result of the restoration effort, which contributed to the tourism promotion.

Keywords:  Restoration, Identity, Culture