Memory and Challenge for Klong Mae Ram Pan

The 700-years-old Historical Canal in Sukhothai. A venue of creative cultural-based activities was held under the theme of Klong Mae Ram Pan which is the 700-years-old historical canal since the Sukhothai Era. This event consisted of various activities based on UCCN mission by integrating cultural heritage into creative sector through crafts and folk arts. Firstly, an exhibition presented cultural landscape elements of Mae Ram Pan Canal which used to be a main logistics route to transport Sangkhalok (a unique style of Sukhothai ceramic ware) to overseas. Certain memorable pieces of this water-based cultural landscape were displayed along with the local residents’ nostalgia stories reminding audiences’ a sense of the place connected to the canal. Secondly, two sessions of seminar were organized with a mixed group of audiences (public, private, educational, local sectors including Sukhothai UCCN local partners). The first session was about how to revitalize this historical canal to be vibrant and more productive again. The second session was a discussion on how to employ the UCCN framework as an effective mechanism to develop the waterfront of Mae Ram Pan and surrounding areas to achieve sustainable future. Current issues related to this canal were also presented, including the discussion on alternative practices for waterfront revitalization. An action plan for the creative district development of Mae Ram Pan was partly proposed as one of the determined UCCN missions of Sukhothai. Thirdly, DIY crafts workshops were organized which allowed all audiences to participate in creating and making their own “give-it-a go” crafts. The above activities were successfully held at Sukhothai Treasure Resort with a number of 72 participants. This creative venue showed how the UCCN mission could be integrated among different organizations working together in an area-based approach for achieving SDG11 for Sustainable Cities and Communities. The seminars and exhibition were parts of the academic services led by the Faculty of Architecture, Naresuan University, and mainly supported by the Royal Society of Thailand. Additionally, the DIY workshops were organized by Sukhothai crafts and folk-art entrepreneurs, who were supported by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) Area 4. With a mutual understanding that is in line with the UCCN mission among all collaborators, all things are possible now for the Sukhothai creative city, to recover from the COVID-19 Crisis, and to achieve sustainable development in the near future

Reference: Pittungnapoo W. 2020; News and Activities: “Memory and Challenge for Klong Mae Ram Pan the 700-year Old Historical Canal in Sukhothai.” International Journal of Crafts and Folk Art, Vol.1 2020. pp.142-145. http://ijcf.kr/index2020