Factors of Awareness, Problems and recommendations towards Conservation of Cultural heritage handicraft : a Case Study of Aranyik Knives Conservation,Pha nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to study level of awareness, factors of awareness, problems and recommendations towards conservation of cultural heritage handicraft: a case study of Aranyik knives conservation, Pha Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province. Quantitative research was employed. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 355 respondents who were above 18 years old and lived in Tha Chang sub-district, Nakhon Luang District, Pha Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province for at least 5 years. The quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics, t-test, and one way ANOVA.

The study result found that the awareness of the respondents towards Aranyik knives conservation was low. The factors significantly related to people awareness towards conservation of cultural heritage (Aranyik knives) included duration of stay (p-value = 0.05) as well as knowledge and valuation of cultural heritage (p-value = 0.01). The problems of Aranyik knives conservation included lack of inheritance to the next generation, lack of production technology, and lack of communication.

This research recommends the collaboration between government agencies and local people to indicate supporting measures to conserve local cultures. The handicraft center (Aranyik knives) should be established to present origin, culture, tradition, local way of life, and local wisdom. Marketing strategies should be applied to promote the identity of local products. In additions, the activities should be set up with young generation in the community to increase awareness towards cultural heritage conservation.