Sisaket Province Community Identity Management Paradigm to Promote Tourism Historical and archaeological

Abstract

This study aims to examine and analyze paradigms for managing community identity in Sisaket Province to promote historical and archaeological tourism. Employing a qualitative research methodology, data were collected from community leaders, local scholars, tourism entrepreneurs, and tourists through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and open-ended questionnaires. The findings reveal that Sisaket Province possesses distinctive community identities rooted in prehistoric archaeological sites, Khmer civilization, and the cultural convergence of Thai, Lao, and Khmer ethnic groups. These cultural assets represent significant potential for sustainable historical and archaeological tourism development. An appropriate paradigm for managing community identity should be grounded in community participation and comprise four key components: (1) fostering deep understanding of local identity and its historical and archaeological value; (2) promoting community involvement in the planning and management of heritage tourism; (3) integrating heritage conservation with balanced tourism development; and (4) creating culturally reflective tourism media and activities. The study concludes that identity-based community management, grounded in participatory and sustainable principles, can be applied to other culturally similar areas to support both the preservation of cultural heritage and the sustainable development of local economies.