Legal Issues in Fossil Preservation within Suranari Sub-District and Kokkruat Sub-District Mueang District Nakhonratchasima Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the laws concerning the preservation of fossils, legal issues, and factors that affect fossil preservation, including strategies to amend and improve the laws on fossil preservation. This qualitative research was conducted by studying relevant documents, in-depth interview, observation, and field survey to investigate the problem of fossil preservation in 39 dig sites in the study area. The study uses content analysis and interpretative analysis to evaluate the data. According to this study, it is found that the main law that provides protection of various fields of Paleontology is the Fossil Protection Act, B.E. 2551. This Act also imposes laws relating to the promotion, study, and research of fossils in accordance with academic principles. The issues relating to the preservation of fossils are the knowledge of the preservation of fossils, management of fossils and dig sites, lack of participation and cooperation, shortage of Paleontological personnel, inability to budget for standard and modern equipment, law enforcement issues, and lack of consciousness with regards to the value and benefits of fossils. The factors that influence these problems are personal factors, exposure to information, understanding of fossil preservation laws, attitude and consciousness of fossils, policies, plans and laws in relation to the preservation of fossils, fossils management, and the cooperation from the public. Solutions to these problems include creation of a fossil database, building awareness and cultivating consciousness, encouraging all sectors to effectively conserve and protect fossils, modernizing the Museum of Paleontology, promoting and supporting personnel that are involved in Paleontology, allocating a budget and developing a Paleontological research network, strictly enforcing laws, reviewing and revising laws to be more consistant in accordance to circumstances and society. In addition to this, dig site areas should be developed as geological tourist sites to promote employment and generate income for local people leading to sustainable development succession.