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Interpretation of Wat Arun Ratchawararam (The Temple of Dawn): the Application of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Principles in an Interpretive Plan

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INTERPRETATION OF WAT ARUN RATCHAWARARAM (THE TEMPLE OF DAWN): THE APPLICATION OF SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM PRINCIPLES IN AN INTERPRETIVE PLAN By Kanjanaphorn Polprateep A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism (International Program) Graduate School SILPAKORN UNIVERSITY 2010 INTERPRETATION OF WAT ARUN RATCHAWARARAM (THE TEMPLE OF DAWN): THE APPLICATION OF SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM PRINCIPLES IN AN INTERPRETIVE PLAN By Kanjanaphorn Polprateep A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism (International Program) Graduate School SILPAKORN UNIVERSITY 2010 The Graduate School, Silpakorn University has approved and accredited the Thesis title of “Interpretation of Wat Arun Ratchawararam (The Temple of Dawn): The Application of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Principles in an Interpretive Plan” submitted by Ms. Kanjanaphorn Polprateep as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism ……........................................................................ (Associate Professor Panjai Tantatsanawong ,Ph.D.) Dean of Graduate School ........../..................../.......... The Thesis Advisor Dr. Donald Ellsmore The Thesis Examination Committee .................................................... Chairman (Professor Dr. Trungjai Buranasomphob) ............/......................../.............. .................................................... Member (Assistant Professor Pibul Jinawath, Ph.D.) ............/......................../.............. .................................................... Member (Dr. Donald Ellsmore) b 48056967: ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM KEYWORDS: CULTURAL HERITAGE/ SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM/ INTERPRETATION/ WAT ARUN RATCHAWARARAM. KANJANAPHORN POLPRATEEP: INTERPRETATION OF WAT ARUN RATCHAWARARAM (THE TEMPLE OF DAWN): THE APPLICATION OF SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM PRINCIPLES IN AN INTERPRETIVE PLAN. THESIS ADVISOR: DR. DONALD ELLSMORE, 226 PP. The interpretation of Wat Arun Ratchawararam (The Temple of Dawn), is the subject of a detailed analysis in the research presented here. This research concludes that Wat Arun Ratchawararam - a powerful symbol of Thai Buddhism and a highly recognised symbol of traditional Thai culture in the modern city of Bangkok - is poorly understood and poorly interpreted to the Thai people and foreign visitors alike. In fact the low standard of interpretation is working counter to the sustainable management of the place and is threatening its cultural heritage values. Qualitative research used in this research has revealed some important underlying values of the place and some important opportunities to change the method of interpretation in a way that will provide for more sustainable management over the long term. Four research hypotheses were explored in depth and proved in this research. The first of these hypotheses is the architecture and fabric conservation at Wat Arun have been managed in appropriate way for authenticity. The second hypothesis is the architecture, fabric, cultural practices, cultural landscape, and cultural meaning are major cultural significance of Wat Arun. The third hypothesis is the existing interpretation at Wat Arun is a major issue to create visitors understanding and appreciation of Wat Arun. The latest hypothesis is Wat Arun has an effective interpretation program for sustainable cultural tourism. The information of Wat Arun which are history and background, physical characteristics, architecture, fabric, conservation policy, cultural practices and rituals, cultural meaning, cultural significance, the monastery’s authenticity, threat and risk factors toward the monastery, and the existing interpretation were studied and analyzed comprehensively to verify the research hypotheses. The research reveals that the first and the second hypothesis are reliable in that the architecture and fabric conservation at Wat Arun have been managed authentically and sustainably - the architecture, fabric, cultural practices, cultural landscape and cultural meaning create the perfect cultural significance. However, the third and the fourth hypothesis, regarding the interpretation and its effectiveness are opposed by the findings of the study. It can be demonstrated that the existing interpretation at Wat Arun does not assist visitors with an adequate or appropriate understanding and appreciation of Wat Arun. The existing interpretation program lacks effectiveness. It is not contributing to sustainable cultural tourism achievement. All aspects of the cultural significance and their interpretation at Wat Arun have been examined in detail and considered in the formulation of a new interpretation strategy. From this an interpretive theme and key message of Wat Arun under the theme “Spiritual center” is offered as the central point of a new form of interpretation. Through this the four significances of Wat Arun would be explained to confirm why the monastery is indeed a “Spiritual center”. Twelve sub-themes and key messages are designated as a framework for fundamental messages which will be told to visitors through a new interpretation program of Wat Arun. Seven opportunities to restructure and develop interpretation of the monastery are described comprehensively to provide for sustainable cultural tourism there. Finally, an interpretive plan is presented using five main communication tools and the means of their application for communicating the interpretive themes and key messages of Wat Arun and its architecture. Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism Graduate School, Silpakorn University Academic Year 2010 Student’s signature…………………………………………………….. Thesis Advisor’s signature …………………………………………….. c Acknowledgments I would like to dedicate the accomplishment of this research to the persons I love and respect, my father, my mother, my great brother (Dr. Kumphon Polprateep), my oldest brother and my sister. They always give me an enormous amount of helpfulness in every aspect which they have ability to do. I would like to say thank you to all of them and deeply appreciate all love and kindness that my family always give to me. I would like to pay a highly respect to all my teachers in every academic institution who had taught and provided invaluable knowledge. In addition, I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Dr. Sithichai Phokaiudom who did not hesitate to contribute a grant for studying this program and Prof. Dr. Trungjai Buranasomphob who initiated this program. Dr. Russell Staiff who is always willing to advise useful ideas for the research development and Dr. Pibul Jinawath who is my examiner. I would also like to mention my best friend Dr. Satida Krailas who favors an excellent goodwill, devoted her precious time to reviewing and editing my writing. Dr. Prut Isarankura Na Ayuthaya has also given me excellent advices and enlightened me to carry on the studying. All authors whose references I used and every person who fully provided useful information, Montat Hampat who is pleased to help me writing the map’s site, and all of friends at Silpakorn University who shared the experience of learning and gave valuable advices. I would like to say thank you to all of them. Indeed, this research would not has been accomplished without worthy supervision from my supervisor Dr. Donald Ellsmore. His opinions and advices increased my knowledge and sharpened my thoughts. His kind support and assistance is deeply appreciated. d Table of Contents Page Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ c Acknowledments.............................................................................................................................. d List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. i List of Tables.................................................................................................................................... m Chapter 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1 Background and statement of significance of Wat Arun Ratchawararam..................... 3 Goals and objectives ..................................................................................................... 3 Research Hypotheses.................................................................................................... 3 Research Questions ...................................................................................................... 4 Scope of the study ........................................................................................................ 4 Limitations.................................................................................................................... 5 Research Methodology................................................................................................. 5 Process of the Study ..................................................................................................... 7 Definition of Terms .....................................................................................................
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