In a bid to harness the power of culture and history to drive economic growth, a groundbreaking initiative known as the “Wonderful Thai Temples” program has been launched. This ambitious endeavor aims to identify and promote temples across Thailand that possess the potential to become sought-after destinations for historical, religious, and cultural tourism. Spearheaded by the Department of Religious Affairs, the program represents a significant step towards leveraging Thailand’s rich heritage as a sustainable source of revenue for local communities.
Under the program’s umbrella, the Department of Religious Affairs has called upon the provincial offices of the Ministry of Culture, spread across all 76 provinces, to meticulously evaluate three to five temples within their respective regions. These evaluations will be based on a comprehensive set of criteria that take into account various aspects, including the temples’ architectural splendor, intricate sculptures, revered Buddha images, and the conduct of the resident monks. Additionally, the program seeks to gauge the temples’ ability to serve as educational hubs, offering cultural insights, preserving the local way of life, and embodying the essence of the surrounding community. Notably, the tourism aspect is also given due consideration, encompassing factors such as the temple’s aesthetic appeal, cleanliness, accessibility, unique attributes, ability to captivate visitors, and its social and economic significance.
Accompanying the information gathered about these temples will be a collection of captivating photographs and their historical backgrounds. A dedicated working committee will meticulously review and screen the submitted data, ensuring its accuracy and completeness. The resulting compilation of temple information will serve as a valuable resource accessible to students and all those interested in delving deeper into Thailand’s cultural tapestry. Moreover, this comprehensive database will contribute to the broader efforts aimed at advancing religious, artistic, and cultural pursuits within the country. Concurrently, the program represents Thailand’s drive to wield Soft Power as a means to enhance its economic prowess, capitalizing on the development of temples as tourism hotspots while also bolstering the resilience of the communities in their vicinity.
The “Wonderful Thai Temples” program is anticipated to synergize seamlessly with other ongoing initiatives, including a project dedicated to promoting religious tourism routes, the transformative Phalang Bowon Community project, the culturally rich CPOT (Cultural Product of Thailand) project, and the Yon Withi community tourism scheme.
With its sights set on a harmonious integration between the temple sites and the needs of the local communities as well as visiting tourists, the Department of Religious Affairs aims to unlock the full potential of these temples as exceptional hubs for historical, religious, and cultural exploration. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between cultural tourism and community well-being, Thailand aspires to cultivate a sustainable future where the preservation of heritage goes hand in hand with economic prosperity.
