Highland Pang Mapha (Mae Hong Son Province, northwest Thailand), located in a complex karst terrain of valleys, caves and rockshelters, is home to the archaeologically significant Log Coffin Culture dating from 2100 to 1000 years ago. Pang Mapha has been occupied continuously by present-day ethnic groups including the Shan, Karen, Black Lahu, Red Lahu, Lisu, Hmong, Lua, Pa-O, and Kon Muang. Despite this lengthy human occupation local ethnic communities remain largely unaware of their Log Coffin Culture heritage, due to socio-cultural barriers, including youth poverty and lack of educational inclusion and opportunity. One novel strategy for addressing these issues is the exploration of games as alternative educational tools to promote informal and lifelong learning, increase knowledge and develop critical thinking skills at all educational levels. This new knowledge and broader ways of thinking will foster a local sense of pride and empower successful local management of a valuable cultural heritage identity and resource. This presentation examines the use and value of a game ("Detectives of the Past") as a creative tool in the application of archaeological knowledge to the development of a local narrative linking past to present. The project applies basic concepts of game-based learning integrated with a design thinking process based on the needs of teachers and secondary school students. Results show the effectiveness of such a game-based approach in integrating ethnographic, historical and archaeological knowledge to create a fuller understanding of the Log Coffin culture. The suitable story content and illustrations along with engaging game props were shown to be important factors in the game’s utility and appeal. Results supported the potential of the game to strengthen a local sense of ethnic identity as well as provide a potentially valuable source of local revenue through licensing to gaming communities.