The Proposal for Tourism Management and Conservation for Local cultural Heritage of Si Roi Temple, Wiset Chaichan District, Ang Thong Province

Abstract

This research aimed to review (1) the heritage values and cultural significance of Si Roi Temple, and (2) the potential to promote Si Roi Temple as a cultural heritage tourism destination of Ang Thong province. Critical to the aims was the assumption of acknowledging the importance of promoting better understanding for tourists and community of the place, the associated role of conservation management plans, cooperation between the stakeholders, and appropriate interpretation and presentation of heritage resources. Si Roi Temple is a valuable historic site that still maintains its cultural significance which is one important key factor to indicate why such place is worth conserving. This temple is located in Wiset Chaichan district, Ang Thong province. The temple is a temple for memorial for the sacrifice of the local heroes. Khun Rong Palad Chu was the man who led 400 soldiers in a determined but doomed assault against Burmese invaders in 1759. Nowadays, It is renowned for its enormous statue of a seated Buddha image called "Luang Pho To" which is one of the most important Buddha image of the province.  However, there are no management plans to promote cultural heritage tourism and conserve cultural heritage significance in Si Roi Temple today. There is, therefore, a need to provide  better understanding of the temple’s significance to tourists through the inception of management plans which will provide for tourism, conserve the significance of cultural heritage values, and also enhance community involvement as well as providing economic benefit. Proposed management plan for cultural heritage tourism at Si Roi Temple and its communities is also proposed for creating sustainable tourism.