11.2.6 Record and preserve cultural heritage

Srinakharinwirot University has continuously carried out projects for the documentation, collection, preservation, and conservation of cultural heritage—both at the local and national levels—every year. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of the importance of transmitting and safeguarding cultural heritage for long-term sustainability. Examples of such efforts in 2024 (B.E. 2567) include the following:

1) Registration Project of “Mon Coffins” as Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Department of Cultural Management Innovation, Faculty of Fine Arts, Srinakharinwirot University, in collaboration with the Phra Pradaeng District Cultural Council, Samut Prakan Province, initiated the “Mon Coffins Registration Project.” This project focused on documenting the traditional craftsmanship of the Mon community in Phra Pradaeng—an intangible cultural heritage that reflects local identity and artistry. The documentation process included recording the characteristics of the heritage, its cultural significance, community roles, measures for its preservation and promotion, its current condition, and community consent for its preliminary listing. As a result, “Mon Coffins” were officially registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage on June 24, 2024. This initiative reflects the effort to systematize cultural data as a mechanism for safeguarding local wisdom. It also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among cultural bearers, inspiring continued transmission of this traditional craftsmanship from generation to generation.

2) “Today’s Happenings: Arts and Culture Knowledge Series”The Institute of Culture and Arts, Srinakharinwirot University, produced a video series titled “วันนี้มีเหตุ: นานาสาระกับวัฒนธรรมและศิลปะ” (“Today’s Happenings: Arts and Culture Knowledge Series”). The project aims to record and disseminate knowledge on arts and cultural heritage through video content, shared via online platforms. A total of 49 episodes were produced to prevent valuable cultural knowledge from fading with time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM4YwrnM598&t=62s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfBnjB7HlG0&t=67s

3) “Unseen Gems of Kudee Khao” Project

The Department of Cultural Management Innovation, Faculty of Fine Arts, Srinakharinwirot University, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Heritage Management and Creative Industries, College of Innovation, Thammasat University, organized the “Unseen Gems of Kudee Khao” Project.

The project aimed to showcase the cultural resources of the Kudee Khao community and to promote awareness, participation, and sustainable management of these resources through creative activities, ensuring their transmission to future generations.

The organizing team designed four key activity stations based on the community’s unique cultural identity—most residents being descendants of Muslim migrants from various regions. Visitors were given diaries to document their experiences and collect stamps from the following four stations:

• “Step to Qibla” – A guided visit inside Bang Luang Mosque, the only Thai-style mosque in the world, featuring Thai, Chinese, and Western architectural fusion, along with local storytelling by residents.

• Exhibition “Back to Earth” – Showcasing beliefs about the afterlife and the cultural landscape of Muslim cemeteries (Kubor), reflecting the link between life and cultural traditions.

• Workshop “Fragrance of Kudee Khao” – A hands-on activity to make traditional “Buhnga Ramphai” (aromatic sachets) inspired by the mosque’s motifs, symbolizing local wisdom and auspicious beliefs.

• “Kampong Cuisine” – A food corner where locals sold traditional dishes such as salawa, talum, khanom maw kaeng, mee kati, khanom khrueang thong, khanom krok, and grilled chicken noodles, creating both cultural engagement and community income.

https://sdg.swu.ac.th/projects/100967/preview

4) “Lost in Talad Noi” Project

The Department of Cultural Management Innovation, Faculty of Fine Arts, SWU, and the Department of Cultural Heritage Management and Creative Industries, Thammasat University, jointly implemented the “Lost in Talad Noi” Project with three objectives:

• To raise awareness and promote the cultural heritage of the Talad Noi community;

• To support sustainable cultural heritage management; and

• To preserve the community’s cultural values for the benefit of all.

The 21st century is an era of rapid technological, social, and environmental transformation, leading to the gradual fading of traditional and cultural identities. Talad Noi, one of Bangkok’s oldest and most historically rich communities, holds both tangible and intangible cultural heritage—such as Chow Sue Kong Shrine, Hon Wong Kung Shrine, So Heng Tai Mansion, and local craftsmanship like handmade deity cushions and the “Siang Kong” used-auto-parts trade culture.

These are invaluable cultural legacies now at risk of disappearing.

The project, therefore, organized an exhibition titled “我喜花你 (Wo xi hua(n) ni): Lost in Talad Noi”, involving collaboration among students from SWU and Thammasat University, local residents, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and public and private organizations—all key partners in fostering sustainable cultural heritage management.

https://sdg.swu.ac.th/projects/100968/preview

5) Commemorative Book for the Royal Kathin Robe Offering CeremonyThe Institute of Culture and Arts, Srinakharinwirot University, has continuously produced commemorative books for the Royal Kathin Robe Offering Ceremony for over 50 years, publishing one volume annually. In 2024 (B.E. 2567), the book featured Wat Pho Chai, a historically significant temple in Nong Khai Province, renowned for its exquisite modern murals, Buddhist art, religious artifacts, and architectural beauty.

https://online.anyflip.com/mbtet/bseh/mobile/index.html