Impacts of Migration into Conservation and Cultural Heritage Communities in Thailand

Abstract

Efforts to preserve cultural heritage should aim to preserve not only physical objects such as buildings and landscapes. But it also includes intangible things such as culture, traditions, and way of life. However, in Thailand, it is often found that the preservation of historical communities is contrary to the above statement. That is to say, the buildings and architectural features are well preserved. Without preserving their way of life and economic and social structure Especially at present Community conservation in Thailand focuses mainly on preserving heritage buildings and surrounding areas. This type of conservation is more expensive than communities alone can afford. One way to raise funds for conservation is to adapt a community's historical and cultural heritage into a tourist attraction. This study therefore aims to study the phenomenon in Thailand where people in other areas migrate from their original residences come to the protected area to earn money from tourism. This study is on 3 areas, Amphawa Floating Market, Sam Chuck 100 Years Old Market and Chiang Khan Old Market. The results of the study concluded that this phenomenon occurred when a community was declared a cultural heritage site. The community has more opportunities to generate income. People's lifestyles and economic and social structures have changed greatly. This is because such adjustments can successfully generate income for the community. Therefore, it attracts outsiders to come and take advantage of the improved economic situation. Instead, it pushes traditional villagers away. Investors may offer to buy a villager's land and property, and the villager may be happy with that offer. Therefore, when the original villagers moved out more the uniqueness and charm of the local way of life and culture began to disappear and was almost completely lost.