Potential Development of Community Based on Thai-Mon Cultural Resources, Ban Ngio Community, Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

Ban Ngio community, Sam Khok district, Pathum Thani province is a community consisting of Buddhist Thais and Thai-Mon descendants who have co-existed for ages under their traditions and beliefs based on Thai-Mon culture. This research aims to develop the community potential based on the local resources. It employs a participatory action research process targeting public recognition of the community and a channel for support from government agencies. A community enterprise, the Local Tourism Community of Ban Ngio, was established to serve the following purposes: 1) to promote community clusters for career development and internal support, 2) to develop knowledge and skills for people in the community, and 3) to promote community-based tourism. The research steps comprised: 1) training local interpreters, 2) establishing a learning station of traditional Mon breast cloth weaving within the community, 3) developing local products to meet the product standard, and 4) marketing the products both inside and outside the community. As a research result, the community clusters mean supplementary careers of selling local products which have increased the incomes. Additionally, the collaboration of people in the community contributes to unity and sustainable community development. In conclusion, the opening of Thai-Mon cultural tourism has generated income as well as promoted preservation of the local culture and traditions.