Bowon” (Village, Temple and School) and Their Being Public Spaces: A Case Study of Ban Tha Nang Hom Community, Nam Noi Sub-district, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of Village, the Buddhist temple, and the school as public spaces of Ban Tha Nang Hom Community, Nam Noi Sub-district, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 informants living in Ban Tha Nang Hom Community who were involved in the three important places: Tha Nang Hom outdoors market, Wat Tha Nang Hom and Wat Tha Nang Hom School. The data were analyzed and tested By using and the school are used as public spaces in accordance with Foucault’s concept of public space in four aspects as follows. 1) Public space and time-it was found that Village, the temple, and the school in Ban Tha Nang Hom Community have changed along with time, and all the changes have taken place in the space of Wat Tha Nang Hom. However, under the  hanges, “Bowon” has remained there from the past until the present time. 2) Public space and social role-it was found that the temple has been used for religious activities, a spiritual refuge and center for people in the community. The temple has also been a public space used as an outdoors market and a school. 3) Public space and co-living—it was found that the three places are in good relationship without conflict. This can be observed from cooperation among the school, the temple, and people in the community. 4) Public space and onnections with other spaces-it was found that Wat Tha Nang Hom is a central place connecting activities of the school, the temple, and the outdoors market together in the form of triangular relationships.