The Eleven City Gates of Saket Nakhon Kingdom: Local History and the Integration of Teaching in the Social Studies, Religion, and Culture Learning Area at Ban Non Thieng School under the Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area Office 3

Abstract

            This research aimed to 1) study the local history of the 11 city gates of the Saket Nakhon Kingdom, and 2) integrate local history into the teaching of social studies, religion, and culture at Ban Non Thieng School, under the Office of Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area 3.The targeted informants consisted of three groups: 1) Knowledgeable individuals, who possessed in-depth information on the local history of the 11 city gates of the Saket Nakhon Kingdom, economy, society, culture, location, and community expansion; 2) Practitioners, including teachers and students; and 3) The general public, representing citizens of Roi Et Province.This research employed qualitative cultural methods, using tools such as questionnaires, interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and workshops to collect data.

            The findings revealed that 1) Saket Nakhon was an ancient name mentioned in the Urangathatu chronicle, referring to a major city in the northeastern region of Thailand, present-day Roi Et Province. The term “Nakhon” meant a capital city, while “Saket” indicated sacredness and prosperity according to Buddhist-Hindu beliefs, reflecting the influence of Indian culture in the region. The history of Roi Et was divided into three major periods1.1) Buddhist era–Saket Nakhon was one of the four major cities, with 11 subordinate cities and 11 city gates, supported by an excellent communication and transportation system 1.2) Phadeng era–The city began to decline and became abandoned, known as “Ban Koom Hang”, reflecting the influence of the Khmer. 1.3) Ayutthaya-Rattanakosin era–The city was restored, new towns were established, and governance was repeatedly adjusted until it became Roi Et Province. 2) The integration of local history concerning Saket Nakhon and Roi Et in schools was found to be effective as a case study on political development, governance structure, and the 11 subordinate cities. Learning activities included creating ancient city maps, constructing models of city gates, narrating local legends such as Ban Koom Hang and the Bun Phawet festival, and integrating social studies, religion, and culture through project-based learning and educational field trips to significant sites such as the Saket Nakhon city gate and Bueng Phlan Chai. This integration helped students understand local history and culture, develop pride in their local heritage, and enhance their analytical thinking, communication skills, and active learning participation.