Burmese Temple Architecture: History, Value and Cultural Assembly in Lampang Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research were 1) to study the history of Burmese temple in Lampang province, 2) to analyze and interpret the knowledge of Burmese temple in Lampang province and 3) to analyze the cultural construction of Burmese temple in Lampang province. This research is action research that used a mixed methods consist of qualitative and quantitative research. Data were collected by in-depth interview from 15 key informants and questionnaire survey with a sample of 100 participants.

          The result indicated that Lampang is an important ancient historical province. There is a temple built by Burmese-Raman people which has architecture, decorations and the Buddha images in Burmese style.  The influence of Burmese arts in Thailand comes from the religious cultural relationship and the political ties between Burma and Thailand since ancient times. Burmese people who get rich from doing forestry business in Lampang province try to build the religion place of temple for Buddhist worship and dedicated to ghosts, spirits and their ancestors. For example; Wat Sri Chum, Wat Chai Mongkhon (Wat Chong Kha), Wat Satsana Chot Ka Ram (Wat Pa Fang), Wat Mon Pu Yak, Wat Mon Cham Sin, Wat Sri Rong Muang, Wat Tha Ma-O, Wat Pa Ruak and Wat Chaiya Thung Lom.