FROM HUA THA TO KOH LOI: BIODIVERSITY, CULTURE IN PAK NAM THUNG SAI COMMUNITY AREA FOR COMMUNITY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT UPGRADED TO BECOME A COMMUNITY LIVING MUSEUM, SICHON DISTRICT, NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) Study community information on biological resources and local wisdom in Pak Nam Thung Sai Community, Thung Sai Subdistrict Municipality, Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, 2) Upgrade community products by developing packaging based on biological resources to be community identity products, 3) Establish a living community museum, and 4) Develop a management mechanism for the living museum. This research was qualitative and participatory practice. Nine key informant groups were selected: 1) 22 Municipal executives and officials 2) 5 Community scholars 3) 98 People in Thung Sai Subdistrict community 4) 7 Community entrepreneurs 5) 24 Clubs/volunteers 6) 33 Service users 7) 7 Academics, 8) 21 Youth groups and 9) 8 Related government agencies totaling 225 people. Purposive sampling and the snowball technique were used as the tools. The research methods included in-depth interviews, surveys, focus groups, and seminars. Descriptive data analysis was used. The research results revealed that the biological resource database of 17 plant species, 41 families, 49 genera of animals, and diverse local wisdom were used to upgrade two identity products: Pan Sip Sai Hoi Wan and Jo Ruam Talay. It was upgraded to a living community museum, managed by local people led by the municipality. It is a learning and resource management, developing ecotourism, and creating added value from local resources. It can enhance the economy and quality of life of the people of Thung Sai Subdistrict. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation result = 1.44. The knowledge base of biological resources, identity, wisdom, and community cooperation should enhance learning, create love and care for the community, increase value, and improve the quality of life. The research results should be expanded to other areas to support policy-making and drive the learning city effectively.