Author Information
Siriwit Issaro, Prince of Songkla University, ThailandPanida Phatikomet, Thaksin University, Thailand
Wasin Komut, Ubon Ratchathani University, Thailand
Isara Guntang, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Thailand
Abstract
This study explores how cultural capital contributes to sustainable local economic development and the strengthening of community identity in the Thai context through university engagement. It synthesizes findings from 16 university–community collaborative projects conducted under Thailand’s 2023 national research initiative on cultural capital. Based on project reports, field observations, and evaluation data, the study identifies key mechanisms through which cultural assets were mobilized to support inclusive and area-based development. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach that combined cultural mapping, participatory storytelling, and targeted capacity building. These methods helped revitalize both tangible and intangible cultural assets. As a result, the projects led to the co-creation of more than 200 new cultural products and services, the emergence of over 300 cultural entrepreneurs and artists, and a 15 percent average increase in income across participating communities. More importantly, the initiatives enabled local actors to shift from passive recipients to active co-creators of cultural value. The study also piloted tools such as digital cultural capital databases and local cultural incubators to improve the connection between cultural resources and local governance. The findings show that partnerships between universities and communities provide a practical and flexible model for managing cultural capital. The study concludes that integrated and systemic management across economic, identity, and policy dimensions is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable outcomes in diverse local settings.
Paper Information
Conference: KAMC2025Stream: Cultural Studies
This paper is part of the KAMC2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Issaro S., Phatikomet P., Komut W., & Guntang I. (2026) Cultural Capital as Structural Leverage: Rethinking University-Community Collaboration for Area-Based Cultural Transformation in Thailand ISSN: 2436-0503 – The Kyoto Conference on Arts, Media & Culture 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 81-92) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2436-0503.2025.9
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2436-0503.2025.9
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