Abstract:
The area of the old Meechai Road community is located in Nong Khai Municipality. Due to its strategic location along the Mekong River, the old Meechai Road community is an important area for people to assemble and also a center for trade and water transportation. As a result, many people of various nationalities have emigrated and settled down in this community, especially along the riverside. The economic and commercial zones, as well as tradition and culture - including architecture - of people in this community were therefore created in relation to and focusing on the Mekong River. However, the traditional buildings and wooden row houses in this community are currently disappearing. The pattern of old buildings has declined and been replaced by more modern designs. The areas for conducting any community activities at the temples or sacred places have also decreased due to more modern lifestyles. This research was conducted to study and analyze the history, uniqueness and values of the old Meechai Road community including the areas of Sri Khun Muang Temple, Sri Muang Temple and Lamduan Temple to create appropriate guidelines for the conservation of this old community. In-depth interviews of community leaders, observation and analysis of the principles for dwellings and meeting places were used to determine their significance to the community. Moreover, the community values identified in the study was evaluated. The prospective needs among people in community, government agencies and academic departments were compared to determine an appropriate project for conservation and renewal of these three old community areas. In accordance with the goals of the research, the project for conservation of the old Meechai Road community was conducted to preserve its local way of life, culture, and tradition. This conservation project was divided into four parts as follows 1. Activities to preserve cultural and traditional values. 2. Activities to preserve social values. 3. Activities to preserve historical values. 4. Activities to preserve the physical identity of the area such as developing education zones, landscape and environment. Furthermore, all conservation activities are meant to be coordinated in order to preserve the community’s overall identity.