Preservation and Promotion of Thai Culture in the Digital Era

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has significantly impacted the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage worldwide, including Thai culture. The digital era presents both opportunities and challenges in maintaining Thailand's cultural heritage alongside technological progress. Strategies for preserving and promoting Thai culture in the digital context must adopt innovative approaches that integrate traditional elements with modern media. Digital archives, online museums, and virtual exhibitions serve as essential tools for preserving and disseminating Thailand’s cultural heritage, enabling future generations to access and learn about Thai culture without limitations of time and distance. Additionally, artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in preserving endangered Thai dialects and facilitating the translation and digital documentation of traditional literature. The promotion of Thai culture in the digital world benefits significantly from the widespread influence of online media, which plays a vital role in showcasing cultural elements such as folk music, traditional dance, Thai cuisine, and major festivals to a global audience. However, the digitalization of cultural heritage also entails risks, including misinformation, intellectual property violations, and the commercialization of traditional culture without proper attribution. These challenges may diminish the authenticity of cultural heritage and affect the transmission of intangible cultural elements, such as oral traditions and handicrafts. Addressing these issues requires well-designed policies and appropriate measures to safeguard the cultural values of Thailand while leveraging the potential of digital technology.