MODEL FOR PROMOTING THE POTENTIAL OF TEMPLES TO SUPPORT BUDDHIST TOURISM IN NONG KHAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research entitled “A Participatory Model for Enhancing Temple Potential to Support Sustainable Buddhist Tourism in Nong Khai Province” aimed to: 1) examine the potential of temples in supporting Buddhist tourism; 2) investigate community participation in enhancing temple potential; and 3) propose a participatory model for strengthening temple capacity to support sustainable Buddhist tourism in Nong Khai Province. This study employed qualitative research methods through documentary research, in-depth interviews, and field observations involving monks, community leaders, local residents, and related stakeholders. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and interpretative analysis.
The findings revealed that: 1) temples in Nong Khai Province possess significant potential for Buddhist tourism development in four dimensions: sacred sites and cultural heritage resources, financial and institutional support, human resources and community networks, and integrated management and public relations connecting religion, culture, and tourism. 2) Community participation played a crucial role in enhancing temple potential through religious activities, traditional festivals, resource contributions, and the conservation of sacred sites. Such participation reflects the dynamic relationship between temples and communities as forms of social and cultural capital essential for sustainable tourism development. In particular, collaborative integration under the “Bowon” concept (Home–Temple–Government) contributed to strengthening community resilience, cultural identity, and the local cultural economy. 3) The new body of knowledge derived from this study is the “Participatory Temple Potential Development Model for Sustainable Buddhist Tourism,” consisting of four interrelated dimensions: temple capacity development, community participation, collaborative network integration, and cultural communication and public relations. The model demonstrates that Buddhist tourism can be developed as a balanced mechanism integrating religious values, cultural heritage, social cohesion, and community-based economic sustainability.