Suriya Veeravong and Amara Pongsapich Dynamics of Ayutthaya Region The Chao Phraya Delta: Historical Development, Dynamics and Challenges of Thailand's Rice Bowl 1 Dynamics of Ayutthaya region

Abstract: This paper attempts to present a picture of the development process of Ayutthaya during 1970-2000 using longitudinal data collected systematically every 10 years in the years 1969/70, 1979/80, and 1989/90. Data for the year 2,000 has yet to be collected and will provide a continuation to the on-going data collection process. The studies showed how Ayutthaya, which was traditionally believed to be the center of rice culture of Thailand, was forced to shift from an agrarian society to an urbanized/industrialized society. In the process of searching for an alternative means of livelihood, Ayutthaya was recovered as a historical and cultural center. The famous ancient city has been revived and recognized as a World Heritage. Ayutthaya became an urban tourist town as well as an industrialized satellite area of Bangkok where 4 industrial estates are established. As the people adopted an urban way-of-life, the urge to maintain its local identity and means of livelihood lead to the formation of a civic group in Sena District. Members of the group call themselves Khlong Khanom Chin Community as a symbolic representation of who they are and as a reminder of their goals in achieving sustainable development at the local level where their community i