Ram Ton Korat Sang Suk Sep Sin Thin Phanom Wan : Development of Cultural Innovation from Creative Local Wisdom for Healthy Ageing Support and Community Tourism Promotion DOI:

Abstract

The mobilization of cultural capital into meaningful value through locally grounded creative wisdom and the performing arts holds significant potential for holistically promoting the well-being of older adults. This research article pursues two primary objectives: (1) to develop a culturally based innovation derived from creative local wisdom for enhancing the well-being of older adults and promoting community-based tourism; and (2) to disseminate the innovation to the community within Ban Pho Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. A mixed-methods approach was employed across five procedural phases. Data were collected through structured interviews and participatory knowledge verification with community members, dance specialists, and related subject-matter experts, alongside participatory action research conducted across four target groups: (1) older adults, (2) women, (3) youth, and (4) university students. Content analysis was applied as the primary analytical method.

           The findings yielded a dance cultural innovation entitled “Ram Ton Korat Sang Suk, Sep Sin Thin Phanom Wan” The choreography is rooted in the Korat folk dance tradition, while the costumes are inspired by authentic local dress. Musically, the traditional Ton drum serves as the primary instrument, integrating traditional rhythmic patterns with contemporary arrangements structured into four temporal phases. The lyrical content conveys the historical narrative of the Phanom Wan Stone Castle community (Prasat Hin Phanom Wan), local wisdom traditions, and collective community identity. The innovation was disseminated within the community through a four-phase participatory process, yielding outcomes across four well-being dimensions: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. Satisfaction ratings from both academic experts and community members were at the highest level (mean = 4.7–4.8 out of 5.0). These results demonstrate that community-based cultural innovation can serve as a replicable model for systematically enhancing the quality of life among older adults and promoting heritage-based local tourism.