Development of Community Souvenir Packaging to Support Tourism in Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

This research aims to enhance production potential and develop community products to achieve an aesthetically pleasing
appearance. It focuses on developing packaging that effectively protects the products, provides comprehensive and reliable product information,and prepares community products for the market. The study emphasizes utilizing local identity to create added value for the products, thereby sustainably strengthening the community economy and responding to the domestic tourism policies of Maha Sarakham Province. The research methodology employed a participatory approach encompassing the upstream, midstream, and downstream phases, along with the application of the quality management cycle. Field surveys of production processes and interviews with target entrepreneurs were conducted to analyze data and establish appropriate product and packaging development guidelines in accordance with the objectives. This involved integrating collaboration among the university, Maha Sarakham Town Municipality,
and community enterprise groups, including organizing practical training workshops. The results revealed that the project successfully
created standardized packag ing prototypes that effectively communicate the local identity for five products. For instance, the dried pounded unripe rice (Khao Mao) from the Pho Si 1 community was upgraded to a vacuum-sealed bag to extend shelf life and facilitate transportation, featuring a label design reflecting the Maha Sarakham clock tower’s identity. These outcomes help build a positive image, increase economic value, foster a sense of pride, and serve as a driving force for community enterprises to sustainably develop their products for future commercial distribution.