The Sociopolitical Manifestation of Built Environment in Rural Thailand: Holistic Development for an Aging Society?
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Abstract
Changes in demographic structures in an aging society have diminished farming employment and incomes of old residents of Talat Mai subdistrict, Angthong Province, Thailand. Under decentralization, the local government assumes primary development responsibility in managing the basic needs of citizens. This case study demonstrates how the local government uses the built environment—Wiset Chai Chan Historical Park Royalty Monument —as an instrument for community development to enhance life quality for old residents. This study examines ways in which the park's construction as a built environment are shaped and consequences due to community development as an aging society. Data was gathered by participatory action research (PAR), including in-depth interviews, participant observation, and artifacts. Local government representatives, geriatric residents, and subdistrict stakeholders were involved. The constructivism paradigm was used to analyze the local government's justifications for the park's construction, and the pathways model examines the park's impacts on community development and the aging society. Results are that the park construction as a landmark craft is mainly a sociopolitical construction, because of local government monarchist motivations and war legends to revive power symbols intertwined with memory politics. This research suggests potential improvements for the wellbeing of old citizens, community involvement, and economic growth.
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