Cultural Capital of Kamphaeng Phet World Heritage Site and the Development of Creative Souvenir

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) survey and collect data on the cultural capital of the Kamphaeng Phet World Heritage Site, and 2) synthesize this cultural capital into a design process for creative souvenir products. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology, focusing on key historical sites in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, including Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Chang Rob, Wat Taphan Hin, Wat Phra Borommathat Nakhon Chum, and the Kamphaeng Phet National Museum.
The appropriateness of the product prototypes was evaluated by 20 experts and creative entrepreneurs to ensure the reliability and validity of the design outcomes. The findings revealed that 1) The cultural capital of Kamphaeng Phet is characterized by an aesthetic identity categorized as "Aesthetics of Strength." This concept is derived from the robust and powerful forms of laterite architecture and the unique local sculptural arts. The cultural components can be classified into three groups were Sacred Architectural Symbols Specifically the lotus-bud stupa (Phum Khao Bin),
a dominant architectural form reflecting Buddhist concepts of purity and enlightenment. auspicious animal symbols decorative elements such as elephants (symbolizing power and stability), Makaras (symbolizing water and abundance), Hongsas (symbolizing nobility), and Yakshas (guardians), which reflect a syncretic belief system blending Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Sukhothai cosmology. Cultural Meaning Concepts Synthesized into the core design concept of "Revealing Wealth, Enhancing Prosperity," reflecting community beliefs in abundance and spiritual protection. 2) The evaluation of the souvenir prototypes showed a very high level of overall satisfaction ( = 4.75, 95.00%). The dimension of "Spiritual and Belief Value" received the highest mean score ( = 4.42), indicating that integrating auspicious symbolism with functional utility effectively enhances both economic and emotional value, successfully meeting the needs of contemporary market demands.