Participatory action research in tourism route development for community based tourism in Thung Maphrao community,Phang-nga

Abstract

          This study aimed to 1) survey tourism route in Thung Maphrao Community, Phang-nga, 2) develop alternative tourism route in Thung Maphrao Community, Phang-nga, and 3) evaluate tourism route in Thung Maphrao Community, Phang-nga. The study used participatory action research methodology by collecting data from stakeholder, consisting government sectors, public sectors, tourists and community leaders. The results showed that there are many resources that natural resources and cultural and custom in Thung Maphrao Community for further development of tourism route based on the community value and the tourism capacity management. Moreover, the new tourism route under the model “Wander above the sea of fog, float down the river through untouched land”. In addition, the evaluated results of tourism route showed the statistically significant difference between the new and old tourism route. The results could use to develop efficient tourism management at the Thung Maphrao Community.