The Impact of Religious Tourism on Buddhist Monasteries: an Examination of Nine Temples in Ang Thong

THE IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM ON BUDDHIST MONASTERIES: AN EXAMINATION OF NINE TEMPLES IN ANG THONG By Mr. Panot Asawachai A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor Of Philosophy Program in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism International Program Graduate School, Silpakorn University Academic Year 2016 Copyright of Graduate School, Silpakorn University THE IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM ON BUDDHIST MONASTERIES: AN EXAMINATION OF NINE TEMPLES IN ANG THONG By Mr. Panot Asawachai A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor Of Philosophy Program in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism International Program Graduate School, Silpakorn University Academic Year 2016 Copyright of Graduate School, Silpakorn University 55056953 : MAJOR : ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM KEY WORD : TOURISM IMPACT/RELIGIOUS TOURISM/BUDDHIST MONASTERY PANOT ASAWACHAI : THE IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM ON BUDDHIST MONASTERIES: AN EXAMINATION OF NINE TEMPLES IN ANG THONG. THESIS ADVISOR: DONALD ELLSMORE, DPhilFAPT. 180 pp. In this dissertation, the impact of religious tourism development on the cultural heritage of sacred Buddhist places is explored through an examination of nine temples in Ang Thong and their communities. The research considers strategies that might permit religious tourism development while conserving the cultural heritage significance of the places. A review of the evolution of tourism development and evaluation of tourism impacts by assessing and studying nine sacred temples’ cultural heritage was undertaken to develop a practicable approach to promoting and managing tourism sustainably. The research reveals that the development and promotion of the nine temples in Ang Thong occurs in two important stages. The first is the emergence of royal monasteries and common temples that reflect the relationship between the religion and society. Later, change occurs when the qualification of selection of monks for the Samanasak or ecclesiastical honorific title award, which identities on the current Sangha Act- enacted in 1962 and amended in 1992, is associated with the ability to construct and promote material things in the temple compound. Religion tourism is a factor, which drives development inside the temple, transforming community temples into places for religious pilgrimage. Tourism brings positive and negative impacts on Buddhist monasteries and their communities. The major positive impacts are contributions to local development in transportation infrastructure, generation of income and employment, and promotion of local culture. The major negative impacts are inequality of income distribution, seasonal jobs and commercialization or commodification of Buddhism. Cultural heritage education and conservation awareness is needed by abbots, monks and communities. it should be strictly applied as a policy. Moreover, the qualification of selection of monk for the Samanasak must be revised and ability in constructing and promoting material things in the temple compound should not be considered. Furthermore, abbot, monks, host communities, the government sector, tourists, media and the voluntary sector must be involved in safeguarding the culture heritage significance of the nine sacred temples and their communities in order to manage the tourism more sustainably. Local cultural heritage could be sustained for the next generations by adopting these relatively modest changes. Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism Graduate School, Silpakorn University Student's signature ........................................ Academic Year 2016 Thesis Advisor's signature ........................................ iii Acknowledgements The first person who I must mention is my supervisor, Professor Danald Ellsmore. He has supported and encouraged me to complete this thesis. I am very glad and proud to be his student. My family, especially my mom is another important source of every encouragement and support always. My last thankfulness is given to Passakorn Boon-yuen, a special person who always stays beside me when I needed for effort and intention to achieve this work. Thank you so much for all of you. iv Table of Contents Page Abstract ........................................................................................................................................iii Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... iv List of Figure ...............................................................................................................................viii Chapter 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 Statements and significance of the problem ............................................................ 1 Background ....................................................................................................... 1 Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................ 7 Research Questions ........................................................................................... 8 Scope of study ................................................................................................... 8 Research Methodology ..................................................................................... 9 Process of the study ......................................................................................... 13 Theoretical Frameworks and Relevant Documents ................................................ 13 Concept of Religious Tourism ......................................................................... 14 Religious sites and tourist attractions .............................................................. 17 Threats to sacred places and management approaches .................................... 21 Concepts and Significance of cultural heritage ............................................... 23 Concepts of cultural heritage conservation in Thailand .................................. 24 2 Determine and describe the cultural heritage values of nine sacred templesin Ang Thong and their communities ................................................................................ 28 Wat Chaiyo Worawihan ......................................................................................... 28 The temple’s location and general information ............................................... 28 Historic Value .................................................................................................. 29 Aesthetic Value ................................................................................................ 29 Social Value ..................................................................................................... 35 Wat Khun Inthapramoon ........................................................................................ 36 The temple’s location and general information ............................................... 36 Historic Value .................................................................................................. 36 v Chapter Page Aesthetic Value ................................................................................................ 38 Social Value ..................................................................................................... 40 Wat Khian ............................................................................................................... 41 The temple’s location and general information ............................................... 41 Historic Value .................................................................................................. 41 Aesthetic Value ................................................................................................ 43 Social Value ..................................................................................................... 48 Wat Mahanam ........................................................................................................ 48 The temple’s location and general information ............................................... 48 Historic Value .................................................................................................. 49 Aesthetic Value ................................................................................................ 49 Social Value ..................................................................................................... 52 Wat Pamok Worawihan .......................................................................................... 52 The temple’s location and general information ............................................... 52 Historic Value .................................................................................................. 52 Aesthetic Value ................................................................................................ 53 Social Value ..................................................................................................... 59 Wat Tha Sutthawat ................................................................................................. 60 The temple’s location and general information ............................................... 60 Historic Value .................................................................................................

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