CULTURAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION: A CASE STUDY IN BAN CHIN ALLEY, THAILAND

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between cultural tourism management and community participation in Ban Chin Alley, Tak Province, Thailand, a historically and culturally significant site. A quantitative study focused on five key dimensions of cultural tourism management (knowledge management, facilities, promotion, tourism activities, and environmental management) collected data from 384 residents via structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, and ANOVA. Findings showed positive perceptions of cultural tourism management and high community participation, signaling strong local engagement. Facilities, knowledge management, and promotion emerged as the most significant predictors, collectively explaining 77.6% of the variance in community participation. Additionally, demographic factors such as age, education, and occupation significantly influenced participation levels. The study concludes that sustainable cultural tourism necessitates integrated strategies—robust infrastructure, knowledge sharing, inclusive promotion, and environmental stewardship—to balance cultural preservation with community empowerment and economic sustainability. This offers a practical framework for policymakers and tourism planners in comparable heritage destinations.