Mon Identity through Cultural Landscape: A Case Study of the Mon Canal Community, Lat Krabang District

Abstract

This research, titled "Identity of Mon Culture Through Cultural Landscape: A Case Study of the Liap Khlong Mon Community, Lad Krabang District," aims to study the dynamics of the area and the community's economy along Khlong Mon that affect the changes in the cultural landscape. The study employs a qualitative research design. The sample group used in this research included documents, research reports, academic articles related to the cultural landscape of the Liap Khlong Mon Community, Thap Yao Subdistrict, Lad Krabang District, Bangkok. Data was collected by studying document data such as old photographs, information from journal articles, and related academic documents. The research tools included 1.) Document data recording form 2.) Documents, research, and journal articles.

The study found that the settlement pattern of the people in the community along Khlong Mon was characterized by a farming village, with houses built along both sides of the canal, which served as the primary transportation route. Adjacent to the residential areas were agricultural fields. The houses were not grouped together but were typically situated on the owners' rice fields along the canal banks. Later, as families expanded, additional houses were built. The original houses were single-story barn-style dwellings, or rong na. Internally, they consisted of a sleeping area, a raised platform or 'ran' , which served as a resting area and was an extension of the bedroom, and a multipurpose yard used for storing various farming equipment. Currently, the barn-style dwellings can still be observed in the Khlong Mon community, although some have had their exterior appearance modified to resemble modern Thai houses, while the interior layout remains in the original barn-style.