Promoting Community Participation in The Development of Cultural Capital and Local Wisdom to Enhance Creative Tourism in Uthai Thani Province

Abstract

     The objectives of this study were to: 1. examine community participation in utilizing cultural capital and local wisdom for creative tourism management in Uthai Thani Province, 2. identify problems, obstacles, and community suggestions related to the use of cultural capital and local wisdom in creative tourism, and 3. promote community participation in managing creative tourism through cultural capital and local wisdom. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 30 key informants involved in community-based tourism management, consisting of representatives from government agencies, private tourism operators, and local community members, including community leaders, local scholars, and residents. The target communities were selected for their distinctive cultural resources: Ban Rong Nam Kaeng, Ban Tha Pho, and Ban Sanam. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

     The findings revealed that communities actively participated in operations, benefit-sharing, and evaluation, often assuming leadership roles in tourism activities. The perceived benefits of tourism were diverse, and communities also contributed to government evaluations. The main problems identified included a lack of continuous government support, insufficient knowledge, and limited involvement of younger generations. Recommendations included maximizing the use of digital technology, inviting travel-focused YouTubers to promote local tourism, fostering networks of cooperation between communities and related organizations, encouraging community events, developing local products, and ensuring ongoing education and support to strengthen sustainable community participation.