The Development Guideline of Khok Krachai Village, Khonburi District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province as a Cultural Tourism Destination

Abstract

The objective of this research is to explore and analyze cultural heritage capital related to way of life linked to the Khok Krachai community context through cultural mapping. The research analyzes the potential and proposes a guideline for the development of the community area as well as studies the development mechanism for a sustainable cultural tourism destination. The research process consists of exploring cultural heritage, study of local history from local scholars, collect information on area development policies that promote community tourism from relevant agencies. A survey of tourists' opinions with questionnaires to obtain information on behavior, tourism interests and needs of facilities in order to obtain recommendations for development. Including organizing a potential analysis forum (SWOT) and brainstorming (Focus group) from representatives of all sectors. The development of Ban Khok Krachai as a cultural tourism destination is carried out as follows: 1) Developing a cultural map by collecting cultural heritage within the community for conservation, continuation and utilization for tourism 2) Developing existing cultural space to be suitable for tourism activities and reconstruction of cultural space. For example, the restoration of historical areas such as the bridge over Lam Chae and Nong Sai, to create a new tourist attraction linked with the old wooden bridge. Conservation of the Korat house by turning it into a cultural arts center Including building a learning center for Khok Krachai people as a tourist service point. 3) Promoting cultural activities such as the creation of a learning center for local wisdom, continuing the tradition and culture creation of comprehensive tourism activities              4) Development of tourism facilities such as landscaping and infrastructure improvement. This is driven by the partnership of conservation and development a hundred-year wooden bridge, which is represented by each sector in the community. Along with coordination with other agencies involved in planning, establishing development policies and guidelines in areas such as area-based development, cultural space development, cultural product and cultural service development will make Ban Khok Krachai is a perfect cultural attraction. Resulting in generating income from tourism activities that is widely distributed, creating wealth and sustainable economic community.