JOURNAL ARTICLE

Living museums of Thailand: Exploring floating markets as cultural hubs for lifelong learning.

  • Published In: Journal of Adult & Continuing Education, 2026, v. 32, n. 1. P. 10 1 of 3

  • Database: Education Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Nopas, Dech-siri 3 of 3

Abstract

This study examines Thailand's floating markets as informal educational environments, conceptualizing them as living museums that contribute to cultural preservation and lifelong learning. Through qualitative research involving 23 participants—including market vendors, visitors, community elders, and cultural experts—the study highlights how these markets facilitate experiential learning, intergenerational knowledge transmission, and social cohesion. Findings reveal that while commercialization poses challenges, floating markets effectively engage visitors and locals in hands-on cultural practices, fostering sustained interest in Thai heritage and supporting community identity. The research underscores the potential for integrating such informal learning spaces into broader educational frameworks to enhance cultural education and lifelong learning initiatives.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Adult & Continuing Education. 2026/03, Vol. 32, Issue 1, p10
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geography and Cartography
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:14779714
  • DOI:10.1177/14779714241312648
  • Accession Number:192230086
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Adult & Continuing Education is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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