Chonburi: The Committee on Religion and Social Affairs received a letter from Chonburi residents urging them to promote "Kok Phanom Dee" as a public learning center. The spokesperson for the Committee on Religion and Social Affairs received a letter from residents of Tha Kham Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province, requesting them to follow up on and promote the utilization of the Khok Phanom Di archaeological site for public learning.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Naphat Chittapinankan, spokesperson for the Committee on Religion, Arts and Culture, and his team received a letter from Mr. Tewayuth Wirunphan, a representative of the people of Tha Kham Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province, along with Phra Kanphong Yanapasko and his group. The letter requested that the committee follow up on and promote the utilization of the Khok Phanom Di archaeological site in Chonburi Province for public learning.
The Khok Phanom Di archaeological site is a nationally and internationally significant site, providing evidence of prehistoric human settlement dating back approximately 3,500-4,000 years. It reflects the social, cultural, and lifestyle development of people in the eastern region of Thailand. However, despite its immense historical and educational value, the site has not yet been fully developed and utilized as a public learning resource. As a result, the general public, youth, students, and those interested in history and archaeology are unable to adequately access the knowledge and value of this archaeological site.
Furthermore, local residents have questions and require clarification regarding the future management of the Khok Phanom Di archaeological site, particularly concerning the assignment of roles and responsibilities for the preservation, management, and joint utilization of the area between the Fine Arts Department, the Tha Kham Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and the local community. They seek clarity on the approaches or plans in place to ensure conservation alongside sustainable educational and cultural utilization. Therefore, they request the Committee to consider following up and coordinating with relevant agencies for the following actions:
1. Review and monitor the management guidelines for the Khok Phanom Di archaeological site, including the clarity of the authority, responsibilities, and duties of the relevant agencies.
2. Promote the opening of the Khok Phanom Di archaeological site as a historical, archaeological, and cultural learning center for the public, youth, educational institutions, and interested individuals, under appropriate conservation principles.
3. Promote the participation of local administrative organizations, educational institutions, the public, and cultural networks in the care, development, and utilization of archaeological sites, to foster pride and ensure the sustainable transmission of cultural heritage.