Value of Watprakeaw

Value of Watprakeaw

• Economic

According to the research, there are more than 4000-6000 visitors coming to this heritage site each day. This shows that Wat Phra Keaw and the Grand Palace are being regarded as a ‘must-sees’ landmark by many visitors who come to Bangkok. Moreover, it is also a very well-known temple for Thai people throughout the country as well since it is a pilgrimage destination and the holiest temple for devoted Buddhists and nationalists living in the kingdom. As for the economic impact, this invaluable heritage creates high income to the country both directly and indirectly. The temple itself creates income for Thai government mainly through ticker fee and Thai people from the community in the area also gaining profits from vending, for example, joss sticks, flowers or even Thai local foods. Nowadays tourism industry is a major factor that brings massive revenue into the country even during the recession period and therefore, Wat Phra Kaew is definitely one of the top landmarks that can attract many visitors and thus assists Thailand with the continuously income.

• Culture

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew really are considerable as the most significant historical site. It is evidence to prove how successful of Siamese civilization was in early Rattanakosin period. The indication of the lifestyle, belief and culture in earlier Rattanakosin era is revealed through the greatness and beauty of the palace and temple, architecturally fantastic, ceremony of the monarchy. Although Thailand is considered a Theravada Buddhist society, but the belief of Hinduism also influences Thai cultural. As the temple is guarded by the various kinds of Hindu mythical animal, it is reflecting the socio religion side of Thai people in the past.

• Social

As we all know, temples, in general, has been an important part of Thai society for a long time. There are strong connections between people life and temples, needless to say, how royal temples like Wat Pra Keaw would have much more influence to them. Wat Pra Keaw is the temple which was constructed under the will of the first King of Rattanakosin, in a way that it has become some kind of archetype to the construction of other temples. Not only it represents the importance of King system in Thai society, it also acts like the