Since this month is a school break, most of the members of the Book House had gone to other provinces or districts to be with their parents and relatives. The activities month, therefore, focused on the planning and collaboration between the partners including SEAMEO-SPAFA, Fine Arts Department, the Luk Larn Muang Phrae group, the Local Architectural Heritage Preservation Club, and Phrae Provincial Cultural Council.

The partners met to discuss the following projects.

1. Excavation Plan for the Ban Na Tong Archaeological Site

The Ban Na Tong village is situated in Tambon Chor Hae, Muang district. Our team found, following a conversation with some villagers, a prehistoric archaeological site on top of the hill in the village. The villagers had  informed the Regional Office of the Fine Arts Department to survey and evaluate the site. The Fine Arts Department reported that the site was a prehistoric burial ground aged around 4,000-5,000 years old. It is by far the only prehistoric archaeological site made known in Phrae.  

The local community has expressed an interest to particpate in the site preservation and protection. All the partners will work together with the local community to ensure the site protection and to encourage a full-scaled research on-site.

The prehistoric site of Ban Natong

Some of the artifacts found

2. Conservation Awards Project for House Owners in Phrae

The Phrae Provincial Cultural Council together with the Local Architectural Heritage Preservation Club are planning to launch a project called "Thong Chai Ban Kao" or Old House Flag. The project aims to show a  recognition to owners of distinguished old houses in Phrae for their efforts to conserve the houses. House owners who receive the awards will be given a flag or banner to honour their efforts in the conservation of local architectural heritage.  

A poster advertising the project by the Local Architectural Heritage Preservation Club