Developing Local Cultural Area Through Community Participation Process: A Case Study on “Lan Wattana” Walking Street, Natan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This research aimed to develop a local cultural area of a walking street at Pak Saeng Temple, Pa Lan Subdistrict, Natan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, through community participation processes. The study employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, with participants selected via purposive sampling. The sample included Sangha members, village leaders, community members, representatives from government and business organizations, local entrepreneurs, and target participants. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews and open-ended questionnaires. The walking street "Lan Wattana" designated as a cultural area, established in November 2023, resulted from community-network collaborations and collaborative learning processes. Key stages included comparative reviews, impact assessments, the development of learning processes, knowledge sharing, and reflective practice. Lan Wattana operates weekly on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Activities include contemporary dancing, cultural talk shows, the sale of indigenous and organic products, and cultural demonstrations. It has raised community awareness regarding cultural heritage conservation while generating income and fostering business networks. Extensive social media publicity has further increased public recognition and participation. Overall, the results indicate that community participation and collaborative learning are fundamental to developing local cultural areas and ensuring the continuity of cultural activities. Furthermore, the knowledge gained from this research can be applied to policies promoting local economies by leveraging cultural capital, such as indigenous foods, arts, handicrafts, and eco-cultural tourism.