ABSTRACT

          The objectives of the research on the title “ Buddhist Monks’ Role in Conservation of the Local Museums in Nakhonpathom Province “ were 1) to study the Buddhist monks’ role in conservation of the local museums in Thailand, 2) to study the Buddhist monks’ role in conservation of the local museums in Nakhonpathom Province and 3) to study the way for developing the form and management of the local museums in Nakhonpathon Province.

          The researcher  ran the process of the Presearch by using the way of the qualitative research for which the documentary research was used and the  in-depth interview was made with 16 monks/ persons who gave the key information. The data were analyzed by using the content analysis technique.

From the result of research study, it has been found that;

          1. Most of the museums in Nakhonpathom Province, from the past up to now, have been the places for showing objects. It has shown the value of the local culture and the people’s role in each society and each local area. It gives the pride of arts, culture and local wisdom and gives the right knowledge and understanding of the history of culture of each local area to the people from the different area in the form of the museums of life, mixed very nicely with art works existing in each local area. The Buddhist monks have paid attention and took care of it and been enthusiastic to conserve the local museums which are regarded as a worthy heritage of local art in the past. The arts, culture, custom, historical sites and antique have  been  succeeded  from our ancestors in the past. Therefore, we should help to conserve these things to continue to the descendants.

          2. In the conservation of the museums in Nakhonpathom Province at present, only some Buddhist monks paid their role in the conservation of the museums. Most of the Buddhist monks doing the conservation would be the abbots or old dependent monks. The modern Buddhist monks hardly  pay their role or participation in the conservation of the museums because the Buddhist monks at present are less and the modern technology is also very much important factor in conservation of which more emphasizing will be on the way of sciences.

          3. For developing the form and management of the local museums, the local museums are the museums concerned with the way of  life and original culture and belief. The museum will show the importance of local culture of community and wisdom being succeeded. Establishing the good museum is not to show objects and appliances or to manage as satisfied, but it must be cooperated by many parties;  the local people and community leaders who can be representatives or succeed the pride of the cultural heritage. The museums must be managed nicely. For example, in the aspect of the personnel and budget administration, management and participation of community and people to conserve the art, culture and custom for their existing forever.