Developing the Potential of Sustainable Community-Based Tourist Attractions by Community Participation Around Si Thep Historical Park

Abstract

This research were to 1) study history, culture and community way of life around Si Thep Historical Park, 2) study potential of tourist attraction through community participation around Si Thep Historical Park, and 3) study sustainable development of tourism around Si Thep Historical Park. This was a qualitative research. The population consisted of 48 villagers, 16 representatives of community enterprise groups, 32 community leaders, 4 government officials, 4 tour specialists, and 50 tourists. Research tools were semi-structures interview questions, brainstorming, and focus group discussion. The data was analyzed by content analysis.

The research found that Si Thep Community consisted of native residents and immigrants from the Northeast. There were both Thai accent and I-san accent. Because of Pa Sak River running through the community, most of them therefore had a way of life related to the river: agriculture, mixed farming, fishing, local fish processing, bamboo weaving, and reed mat weaving. The unique cultural traditions were sacrifice traditions to worship Lord Si Thep, Nang Summ folk games, and Nang Khway folk games.

So, Si Thep Community had its high potential of cultural tourism resources which were culture and tradition, religious places, local wisdom resources, local food, and community products shops. Hence, developing the potential of tourist attractions around Si Thep Historical Park should be considered to attractiveness, capabilities for tourism, and tourism management. The community should participate in all planning, monitoring, and decision-making in the development of sustainable community-based tourism.