About this lecture

This paper focuses on the relationship between Thailand’s Fine Arts Department (FAD) and the administration of Phimai Municipality, on the one hand, and ordinary people in local communities on the other. Thai scholars, aware of losses to their heritage, have been enlisted to raise the awareness of ordinary citizens to the concomitant dangers to their way of life. Phimai Old Town has been a living community from the prehistoric period to the present. However, Thai government policy planning focuses only on the layer of Khmer (archaeological) Architecture, neglecting the heritages of the people currently living in this space. In 2004, Phimai Old Town was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for a future World Heritage inscription. This nomination sparked conflict between the local communities and the government about land use. Scholars, employing the Palimpsest Landscape approach coupled with knowledge of international charters for the preservation of heritage, have provided advice and ammunition to support efforts by members of the local communities. Additionally, the national media have assisted in conveying the strength of these local communities. The cultural heritage management process impacts on local communities by gathering them together to set up a heritage trust. The Phimai Heritage Trust has thus become the voice of voiceless people.

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