Strategy Management of Thai Kite Art and Cultural Revitalization and Preservation by the Participation of the Laksi Communities, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) investigate the body of knowledge of Thai kite art and culture, 2) investigate the community participation of Thai kite art and culture restoration and preservation, and 3) analyze strategy management of Thai kite art and cultural revitalization and preservation by the participation of community people Laksi District, Bangkok. This research was a community-based research (CBR). The research methodology was mixed methods approach: qualitative and quantitative research design.  The results showed that Laksi Thai kites had distinctive identity. Regarding the community participation,  they did not participate in any Thai kite art and culture programs. The wisdom owners of the local Thai kite art and culture preserved their art and culture themselves without any support from the public sectors in Laksi District.  The art of kite-making was gradually disappearing, despite the fact that its identity had been in the community for a long time. Besides, the majority of the community people intended to participate in the restoration and preservation of Laksi Thai kite art and culture programs.  Moreover, the results of the analysis of the strategy management revealed that there were attempts of having the cooperative learning with the community in all phases: initiation, sharing ideas, controlling, operating, evaluating, and receiving benefits. In order to establish the community participation, it was necessary to have well-accepted leader in the community; public sectors to facilitate activities, and networks in all sectors.