The Development of the Cultural Heritage Prototype from the Diversity of Religions and Local Believes to Promote the Hospitality and Cultural Tourism Industry in Thonburi Area, Bangkok Metropolitan

Abstract

This research aims to study and synthesize the development model for a cultural heritage prototype derived from the variety of religions and local beliefs in order to promote the service industry and cultural tourism in Thonburi District, Bangkok. This research used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The units of analysis included 10 research plans. The population and sample groups were community leaders, community committees, and stakeholders of tourism in the area. The selection criteria of sample groups or key informants were people who have a role in the community, an experience in tourism management, a volunteer spirit to develop tourism communities. In addition, the empirical data in the field, the documentary information, and the data from questionnaires were processed for plan assessment, content analysis, and statistical analysis of data in order to assess opinions toward integrated research plans.

The research results indicated that the integrated research program to promote the service industry received an overall suitability score in a high level ( = 4.35). The research plans that showed significant benefits were (1) the development of prototype for community products, (2) the development of cultural heritage databases such as the construction of cultural information centers for cultural learning, (3) the development of English lessons in order to promote cultural tourism such as the use of English for cultural tourism, (4) the development of applications to promote cultural tourism such as the development of simple systems to promote cultural tourism, and (5) the development of forecasting models for cultural tourism industry such as creating knowledge and understanding about cultural tourism management.