Politics in Shaping Provincial Buddhist Art in Maha Sarakham: Approaches to the Development and Conservation of Buddhist Art Influencing Society and Culture in Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the approaches for the development and conservation of Buddhist art that influence the social and cultural dimensions of people in Maha Sarakham Province. The study employs a qualitative research methodology. The sample group for in-depth interviews consists of: (1) monks, (2) administrators of government agencies related to religious affairs, (3) amulet (Buddhist talisman) groups, and (4) Buddhist associations and Young Buddhist Associations, totaling 13 key informants. The research instrument used was an in-depth interview, and the data were analyzed using a descriptive analytical approach.

The findings reveal that the approaches to developing and conserving Buddhist art that influence the society and culture of the people in Maha Sarakham Province include: multi-stakeholder collaboration between the government, monastic institutions, educational institutions, artists (craftsmen), and the community; preservation of local identity in addition to the creation of contemporary Buddhist art; integration of learning, conservation, restoration, and the creation of religion-respect cultural tourism routes; and expansion of participation to secondary cities to foster a sense of shared ownership among the public. Therefore, Buddhist art is a living heritage that plays a role in shaping the way of life, identity, and unity in Maha Sarakham Province and should be developed sustainably through the cooperation of all parties.