20–30 August 2026
In its third edition, the Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University (AKU) continues to advance the River x Heritage Summer School, building upon its previous successes as a field-based platform integrating heritage, community engagement, and hands-on learning along riverine cultural landscapes.
Our program, Community × Heritage, was selected as one of the “Stars of Outstanding” in the 2026 Global Awards for World Heritage Education Innovative Cases (AWHEIC), announced during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Chosen from nearly 150 global submissions, the program was recognized for its innovative model of community-based heritage education, combining hands-on learning with active local engagement. It demonstrated how academic collaboration and grassroots participation can enrich heritage interpretation. The 2026 edition will be even more immersive, expanding its interdisciplinary and intercultural dimensions.
Explore More on WHITR-AP website
In 2026, the global movement for heritage conservation continues to mobilize youth, communities, and stakeholders toward more resilient, sustainable, and culturally grounded societies. Rivers, as enduring lifelines of civilization, shape the identity, practices, and living heritage of communities along their banks. Building on this connection, the theme ‘River x Heritage’ frames the program as an exploration of riverine cultural landscapes through action-oriented learning. With a strong focus on youth, education, and volunteer engagement, the program advances heritage awareness through experiential learning, interdisciplinary workshops, and collaborative fieldwork, linking past knowledge with present challenges and future adaptation.
As one of Thailand’s most significant World Heritage sites, Ayutthaya continues to reflect the dynamic interplay of cultural exchange, historical continuity, and riverine landscapes. In the context of ongoing socio-economic and environmental change, the relationship between the historic city and its waterways must be actively reinterpreted to support both heritage authenticity and long-term sustainability.
Under this theme, we continue to expand collaboration with partners, experts, and emerging networks to strengthen collective action in heritage protection and advocacy. Through these shared efforts, both tangible and intangible heritage are sustained, ensuring that interconnected stories, practices, and heritage ecosystems remain active and relevant within evolving cultural contexts.
Expanding the Heritage Ecosystem Beyond Material Culture. Strengthening connections between Ayutthaya’s historic city and its surrounding riverine and rural communities by integrating cultural landscapes, local traditions, and ecological networks into a broader heritage ecosystem framework.Enhancing World Heritage Management Skills. Equipping participants with practical knowledge to interpret and communicate the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of heritage sites, with a focus on the dynamic relationship between heritage and its wider setting.
Explores how rivers have shaped cultural landscapes and served as connective routes for trade, belief systems, and civilization, emphasizing their role in World Heritage contexts.
Focuses on the preservation and transmission of river-related intangible heritage, including local rituals, food practices, oral traditions, and knowledge systems tied to riverine life.
Examines traditional and modern hydrological systems in historic cities, including flood control, water storage, and irrigation, highlighting sustainable management practices.
Addresses balancing conservation with tourism by integrating heritage values into planning, encouraging responsible tourism that benefits local communities and protects river landscapes.
Analyzes historical changes and contemporary pressures on riverine environments, focusing on how communities and ecosystems adapt to environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Focuses on exploring the multifaceted process of developing, implementing, and managing tourist-cultural projects. Such projects serve as vital conduits for the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage while catering to the needs and expectations of tourists.
*Schedule is subject to change.
| Date | Day | Morning session | Afternoon session | Evening session |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug-20 | Thu | Arrival of participants | Registration / Rest | - |
| Aug-21 | Fri | Opening ceremony and programme introduction Lecture: WHV and Creativity |
Lecture: World Heritage process and Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) Lecture: New conservation approaches and people-centred perspectives Group formation |
Public seminar: Trends in World Heritage |
| Aug-22 | Sat | Community participation in conservation | Water heritage and sustainable tourism | - |
| Aug-23 | Sun | Travel to tourism community | Local activities: cooking / collecting ingredients | - |
| Aug-24 | Mon | Travel to Ayutthaya | Survey of the Historic City of Ayutthaya | - |
| Aug-25 | Tue | Paddle activity: reading waterscapes | Lecture: Water systems and Ayutthaya heritage | Lecture: Waterscapes and adaptation |
| Aug-26 | Wed | Group activities: bicycle / paddle session | Visit to Wat Chaiwatthanaram | Concept discussion and group assignment briefing |
| Aug-27 | Thu | Continued group field activities | Workshop: data to idea synthesis | Development of concepts and project content |
| Aug-28 | Fri | River cleaning activity | Group work and final project development (mentor review) | Preparation of final presentation materials |
| Aug-29 | Sat | AUG/ART activity: exhibition and public interaction | ||
| Aug-30 | Sun | AUG/ART activity and final presentation | Closing ceremony and evaluation at Lan Wela Ayutthaya | Return to Bangkok |
For any inquiries or coordination related to the program, please reach out to our dedicated coordinator
Vacancies
Course Load (hours)
consecutive days
Target Group:
1. High school students with an interest incultural and environmental heritage, history,architecture, and conservation.
2. Bachelor, Master, PhD students in the areasof Heritage Sciences, Architecture andLandscape Architecture, Tourism, Historyof Art, History, and related areas.
3. Early-career researchers, technicians, andprofessionals in the fields of HeritageSciences, Architecture and LandscapeArchitecture, Tourism, Art History, History,and related areas.
Admission process and documents:
Please submit your application by sending anemail to patiphol.y@ku.th with the subject line “Ayutthaya 2026 Application – (First Name andSurname)”, and attach the required documentslisted below
1. CV with Academic records (2 pages)
2. Motivation Letter (1 page)
3. Recommendation letter
4. Evidence of English language proficiency (if any)
Please ensure that all documents are fully and accurately completed and properly formatted.
Credit transfer:
For participants who want to earn academic credit, credit transfer is available for both undergraduate and graduate courses; however, it must be processed in advance. Students are advised to initiate the credit transfer procedure early to ensure timely processing. Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, as the final decision on awarding credits rests with their home institutions.
We offer 3 academic credits: Cultural Heritage Theory for undergraduate students and Advanced Cultural Heritage Theory for graduate students.
Certification:
Upon the successful conclusion of the program, attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the summer school. We are delighted to furnish any supplementary details or documents that may be required, in addition to the certificate.
Course fee:
The fee includes accommodation and domestic transportation throughout the program. Additionally, if you prefer a single room, an extra fee of 5,000 THB will be required to cover the cost of the accommodation upgrade.
1. 20,500 THB applies to individuals participant. High school students receive a 50% reduction on all costs.
2. 100% and 50% scholarship awards are available
for students from partner institutions with an MOU/MOA. As scholarships are limited, interested students should contact us promptly to secure their spot. The processing of requests will be expedited to ensure timely participation.
Application Periods:
Credit Transfer and Scholarship Applicants: From now until 20 June 2026
General Public Participants: From now until 10 July 2026
IMPORTANT: The training will be given in English. English proficiency certification is not mandatory upon enrollment, but we recommend a minimum of B-level CEFR (or an equivalent) for effective communication and understanding of all courses. NOTE: Participants will be required to have proof of accident and liability insurance that is applicable in Thailand for the duration of the course.