The Role of the State and Community Participation in the Development of Buddhist-Oriented Tourism in the Lum Nam Suay Area, Nong Khai Province, Thailand
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Abstract
Background and Aims: Nong Khai Province's Lum Nam Suay area in Thailand offers unique cultural and natural attractions for Buddhist tourism. Development in this region represents a strategy to boost community economic growth through the protection of cultural and spiritual traditions. The government establishes essential policies and infrastructure while locals sustain their cultural identity and engage in tourism practices. The research objectives included examining community management conditions and tourism development challenges, along with readiness for Buddhist-oriented integrated tourism development and government support analysis with a model for collaboration between state and community in sustainable tourism efforts.
Methodology: A qualitative R&D approach was used across three phases: Community readiness assessments were conducted through detailed interviews with 20 key informants and document examination, along with government strategy evaluations conducted via focus groups with 12 experts, and participatory model implementations evaluated through exhibitions and academic seminars with descriptive and statistical result analyses.
Results: Research demonstrated that Buddhist practices have developed abundant natural and cultural resources within the community through active engagement from monks, along with local leaders and families. The government provides support by creating policies and allocating budgets, as well as developing infrastructure, but faces issues with coordination. The applied model strengthened knowledge sharing and teamwork, which resulted in improved post-training knowledge scores from 4.35 to 4.60 and proved successful knowledge transfer alongside community empowerment.
Conclusion: The Lum Nam Suay region possesses significant potential to develop sustainable tourism based on Buddhism through its local cultural assets and religious devotion. While challenges persist, especially in human resources and publicity, government strategic support combined with active community engagement can foster balanced development under the theme: “Mindful Tourism, Buddhist Way, Community Way.”
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