News

Walailak University organizes Humanities and Social Study knowledge sharing platform in the 10th RSPG Academic Operation Club Academic Conferences


 

Walailak University held the 10th RSPG Academic Operation Club Academic Conference in Humanities and Social Studies/ Local Wisdomas part of the 11th Academic Conference and Exhibition Thailand’s Resources: 30 Years, RSPG for Real Benefits to the Public. The session received positive responses from researchers, lecturers, students, and the public joining both as presenters and attendants at Smart Classroom, Lecturer Building 6, Walailak University, from 1.00 to 3.00 PM


     On Wednesday 21st, September, 2022, the 10th RSPG Academic Operation Club Academic Conference focusing on studies in Humanities and Social Studies/ Local Wisdom was held. The forum is aimed to serve as a knowledge sharing platform for collective learning to enhance use of resource, community well-being, and local wisdom integrated-education development. The session features 7 research papers investigating utilization and promotion of local resources namely Nipa Palm products and water resource management. Capitalizing on cultural and local wisdoms were studies on planning local context-based lesson, Nora dancing curriculum development and Mong’s ways of life. Throughout the session, each presenter, both from Walailak University and external organizations, was given 12 minutes for presenting, followed by Q&A and feedback from Mr. Theerawat Klaokliang, Head of Thai Language Department, School of Liberal Arts, Walailak University, presiding over the session as a chairperson. Below are the brief summaries of all the papers. 

 

 
 

  The first paper, “Making Value Added of Handicraft Nipa Palm Product Based on Local Identity: Pak Phanang River Basin Community, Thailand”, was presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Rungrawee Jitpakdee and Asst. Prof. Prachya Kritsanaphan, Walailak University. The study looks into giving added value to Nipa Palm handicraft traditionally made into trivet for hot pots by redesigning and modernizing the product designs portraying local identities of Pak Phanang River Basin Community. The project succeeded in improving average income from a variety of product sales i.e., wall clock, table lamp, and ceiling lam among local Nipa Palm farmers in the Pak Phanang River Basin Community through general buyers and tourism businesses such as hotels and companies.  


     Following was Ms. Pennapa Waiyawek from the Center for Sports and Cultural Promotion, Walailak University, presenting on the topic, “Development of the Online Nora Dance Training Curriculum”. Ms. Pennapa talked about integrating the southern performance art’s uniqueness into the training curriculum encapsulating comprehensives Nora dance fundamentals including Nora choreography, Nora songs and vocals, Nora music, Nora costumes etc. Lessons are available on an online platform allowing instant accessibility for daily practices through the lessons divided into chapters. Upon course completion, learners will also be granted a certificate once they pass the evaluation both in theory and practice. Ms. Pennapa highlighted this work as a collaborative endeavor of Nora experts. The study is aimed to disseminate knowledge, and importance and value of the Nora Dance for sustainable cultural conservation.  


     The third study was “Natural Capital:Context-Based Creative Education Promotion Activities in Ban Ya Mi School a Small School on an Island Koh Yao Yai, Phang Nga Province”, by Dr. Suchada Khamha, Dr. Papitchaya Teawkul, Sireepat Koeyphokhaisawan, Rungthip Wonglersak, Orathai Surarit and Nithi Watiwutthipong from the National Science Museum, focusing on creating lessons associated with Island Koh Yao Yai’s resources. Dr. Suchada emphasized the study’s aim at supplementing teaching and learning of Ban Ya Mi School, a small school staffed by 1 teacher and 28 students. The lessons assisted in teaching by engaging students in scientific method-based learning about local Arthropoda. Results suggested the study’s role in raising awareness and emphasizing the importance of island animals. In the future, the team will be developing integrated lessons on local birds providing knowledge on natural habitats, and other topics related to the needs of the locals living on the island. 


      Later, the session welcomed a team from Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University consisting of Ms. Ravithon Thanussakul and Ms. Wichaya Silanoi presenting, “Mon People’s Way of Life: Baan Saladaeng Nuea, Sam Khok District, Phathum Thani Province”. Unlike previous studies focusing on natural resources and cultural nuances, this empirical study gives an insight into Mon’s story and culture mainly local wisdom, languages, food and traditional clothes. All the distinctive characteristics were made into a book for the learning of future generations. The book shall also be a way to preserve the Mon’s charming way of living keeping the authentic information intact through times and ensure the community’s economic potential as a historical and cultural tourist attraction.


     The research “Water Management in accordance with the Water Resources Law: Development Guidelines Sustainably Conserve Water Resources”, by Amonrat Ammartsena from Walailak university, leads to a study and review of Water Resources Act, B.E. 2561 reflecting its effectiveness for water management in the hope of more local participation and retaining their right in water management especially in the living areas.


    Afterwards, the research “Protection of the Rights of Tie Dye Fabric from Kiriwong Village Nakhon Si Thammarat According to the Law on Geographical Indication and Local Wisdom”, by Asst. Prof. Jintana Unhavaithaya and Sinittha Ditthapan from Walailak University, was presented with its main purpose to facilitate the registration of the Tie-Dye fabric as a new Geographical Indication (GI) product assuring that the locals are able to inherit such art and preserve it for younger generations, as well as promote and maintain it as Intangible Cultural Heritage according to the Promotion and Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage Act, B.E. 2559.


   The session was concluded at 3.00 PM with the study, “Need and Marketing mix in decision-making process for purchasing products from Nakhon Si Thammarat in the customer’s point of view”, by Asst. Prof. Boontaree Chanklap and Asst. Prof. Dr. Onanong Cheablam from Walailak University. The study is derived from data collected from customers visiting the market in front of Wat Phramahathat Woramahawihan Nakhon Si Thammarat and queueing up to buy Nipa Palm products such as Nipa Palm Vinegar and Nipa Palm sugar common in local cuisine cooking. Results revealed that natural ingredients in the products and word-of-mouth recommendations are crucial factors for customers to make buying decisions. 


    Researchers express gratitude for research funds and opportunities granted by the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiation of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG) and stating commitments to make progress in the studies to achieve the real benefit to the public as enshrined by the RSPG’s motto. 


For further reading of each of the topics, please click on the link below 
https://wjst.wu.ac.th/index.php/stssp/issue/view/236?fbclid=IwAR3iY3yUDVZCrWucJZ8x1gE-ke1tVKHltotLwNQtUtObJVQS0T2u5VwOk0A

 

Written by Settaboot Onphakdee

Edited by Nootchanat Sukkaew 

Photo by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phonpichit Channuie, Ms. Pennapa Waiyawek, Mr. Kosin Sirirak and Division of Corporate Communication, Walailak University 


TOP