Developing Hand-Woven Textile Potential in Maha Sarakham Province into Creative Products using Soft Power to Drive Sustainable Grassroots Economic Development

Abstract

This research consists purposes were to promote the participation of students, personnel and community members in learning about handwoven textiles, while integrating knowledge of arts and culture with academic service activities. It also sought to develop and enhance arts and cultural heritage in ways that are aligned with contemporary social contexts. This qualitative research was conducted through documentary research, drawing upon relevant sources including books, textbooks, academic documents, research studies and related electronic media. In addition, the study employed the conceptual framework of the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) quality management cycle. Data obtained from documentary sources and the PDCA framework were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed can be summarized into four key aspects. First, regarding the preservation, conservation and transmission of Thai arts, culture and local cultural heritage, the study found that communities in Maha Sarakham Province continue to possess strong knowledge and skills in traditional weaving and local handicrafts. In particular, handwoven textiles featuring distinctive local patterns, as well as bamboo-strip weaving and Ban Phang reed mat weaving, clearly reflect the community’s way of life, beliefs, and cultural identity. The implementation of the project facilitated the tangible transfer of indigenous knowledge from local wisdom holders to younger generations through hands-on workshops and collaborative learning activities. Second, in terms of promoting the participation of students, university personnel and community members, the findings revealed that involvement throughout all stages of the development process from planning and design to production and evaluation encouraged knowledge exchange between the academic sector and local communities. This process enhanced participants’ awareness of the value of local arts and cultural heritage and fostered a shared sense of ownership in their preservation and development. Third, concerning the integration of arts and cultural knowledge with academic service, the study found that traditional knowledge could be effectively applied in conjunction with contemporary design concepts. In particular, creative approaches were successfully integrated with local materials such as handwoven textiles, reed mats and woven handicrafts, resulting in an integrated learning process that concretely linked theoretical knowledge with practical application.