THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Education minister pushes for archaeological tourism in Mae Hong Son

Education minister pushes for archaeological tourism in Mae Hong Son

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Anek Laothamatas, has suggested that Mae Hong Son be promoted as an archaeological tourism destination because of its long history as a northern capital.

During an academic seminar at the Imperial Mae Hong Son Hotel over the weekend, he said the old thinking that the province is remote and difficult to access should be tackled through campaigns.

At the seminar titled “Mae Hong Son model of special landscape of culture and nature”, Anek said he has seen several studies on the province’s economic, social, environmental and historical perspectives. He suggested a “big perspective” study that would create a constructive view of Mae Hong Son and eliminate the old thinking that the province is too remote for tourists.

“It’s good for us to preserve the old tradition of Mae Hong Son for the new generation of Mae Hong Son people to be proud of their ancestors and civilisation, which does not exist in other provinces,” Anek said.

The minister suggested that all sides should join hands to develop “high-class tourism” in Mae Hong Son for tourists to study and enjoy its cultural heritage as the ancient former capital of Shan State.

He noted that Mae Hong Son people have inherited both Lanna and Shan cultures so they are quite unique.

Education minister pushes for archaeological tourism in Mae Hong Son The minister added that Mae Hong Son also has importance as an archaeological and historical site.

“I’ve advised the Mae Hong Son governor to create a special course soon for local children to study outside their school hours about these features,” Anek said.

Assoc Prof Dir Pattamawadee Pochanakul, director of the Thailand Science Research and Innovation, said agencies concerned with research should join hands to develop an education model for Mae Hong Song.

She said the model should respond to the need and chances for the province to be developed with sustainability. She said Mae Hong Son should be developed as a unique and important site for providing learning to the world.

Education minister pushes for archaeological tourism in Mae Hong Son Provincial Governor Chettha Mosikarat said it would be a challenge for his administration to develop the province based on findings by various studies about Mae Hong Son’s history and culture.

Before the seminar, the minister and his delegation as well as other panelists visited several archaeological sites, including the Phi Man Long Long Rak Cave where ancient log coffins were found.

Education minister pushes for archaeological tourism in Mae Hong Son

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