Abstract:
Objectives of this research include 1) general conditions of historical sites in the upper part of the northeast for significance, value and uniqueness analyses 2) conservation and development of historical sites that have been continuously conducted for a long time 3) areas along East-West Economic Corridor Project for transformation trend analysis and effects that may occur to historical sites in the upper part of the northeast in the future and 4) proposal of guidelines for historical sites preservation in the upper part of the northeast. Focus group has been used as a tool for assessment of priority of historical sites. Potential surface analysis technique (PSA) has been used in searching for historical sites that may be affected in areas along East-West Economic Corridor Project. According to the research, historical sites in the upper part of the northeast are significant and have value of fine scenery in terms of history/ archaeology, academy and education. These historical sites have received both positive and negative effects from East-West Economic Corridor Project. Historical sites that tend to be positively affected the most comprise Matchim Wararam Temple Historical Site, Non Chai Historical Site, Ku Ban Hua Bueng, Phra That Kham Kaen, Non Muang Ancient City in Khon Kaen Province, Klang Kok Kor Temple in Kalasin Province, Ban Nong Hang Temple, Latthikawan Temple and Manorom Temple in Mookdaharn Province. Meanwhile, historical sites that tend to be negatively affected the most are historical sites in Muang District of Khon Kaen Province which consist of Non Chai Historical Site, Ku Ban Hua Bueng, Matchim Wararam Historical site, Non Muang Ancient City, Phra That Kham Kaen in Khon Kaen Province and Ku Thong in Maha Sarakam Province. Conservation guidelines for historical sites in the upper part of the northeast comprise 1) for historical sites that have high level of significance and receive high and medium levels of negative effects, urgent stipulation of conservation areas is recommended with an announcement of art environment protection areas by Office of Policy and Environment Planning. Such sites should be registered at Department of Fine Arts. Master plan together with budget planning must be conducted as guidelines for operations of historical sites conservation and development 2) for historical sites that have medium level of significance, but receive high and medium levels of negative effects, the sites should be announced as art environment protection areas by Office of Policy and Environment Planning. Land uses surrounding historical sites should be planned, monitored and controlled. Master plan together with budget planning must be conducted as guidelines for operations of historical sites conservation and development 3) for historical sites that have low level of significance, but receive high and medium levels of negative effects, land uses in surrounding areas must be planned while appropriate environment management in the areas in line with historical and archaeological significance and value is advised 4) for historical sites that have high level of value and receive high and medium levels of positive effects, the sites should be promoted as tourist attractions and historical learning sources that have been renovated for their original uniqueness with cooperation between government agencies and communities for sustainable preservation of historical sites in the upper part of the northeast 5) for historical sites that have medium level of value and receive high and medium levels of positive effects, the sites should be promoted as tourist destinations with appropriate environment management and land use planning in surrounding areas and 6) historical sites that have low level of value and receive high and medium levels of positive effects, environmental planning should be promoted among communities and local government agencies.