DEVELOPMENT OF A CREATIVE TOURISM MODEL BASED ON COMMUNITY CAPITAL AND IDENTITY : A CASE STUDY OF BAN KHLONG YAI COMMUNITY, LAEM NGOP DISTRICT, TRAT PROVINCE
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Introduction: Ban Khlong Yai Community, Laem Ngop District, Trat Province, possesses diverse forms of community capital. In particular, the “Khlong Song Nam Way of Life” reflects the close relationship between local people and the resources within their community. Transforming such community capital and identity into creative tourism activities and routes therefore represents an important approach to creating meaningful tourist experiences while generating added value and strengthening the local community. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the community context and tourism potential of Ban Khlong Yai Community, Laem Ngop District, Trat Province, and to explore approaches to developing a creative tourism route and model based on community capital and identity. Methods: This study employed a developmental research approach. Data were collected through document review, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and pilot implementation of the tourism route. The research instruments included a document review form, semi-structured interview guidelines, and a model suitability assessment form by 30 key informant. The data were analyzed using content analysis and thematic synthesis. Results: The findings revealed that: (1) Ban Khlong Yai Community possesses tourism potential derived from natural, cultural, human, and social capital. These forms of capital were synthesized into the “Khlong Song Nam Way of Life” as the community’s core identity, connecting the local ecosystem, agricultural and fishing livelihoods, local wisdom, cuisine, and community products; and (2) the development of the creative tourism route should transform community capital and identity into storytelling and participatory activities emphasizing learning by doing, which are then organized into a coherent sequence of tourism experiences. The pilot implementation of the route led to further refinement of the model, with greater emphasis placed on the quality of tourist experiences rather than the quantity of activities. Conclusion: The community-based creative tourism model comprises community capital, community identity, storytelling and creative activities, experiential sequencing and tourism route design, shared value creation, community participation, and continuous evaluation and development. The model provides a practical approach to enhancing the value of local resources and wisdom while contributing to the future development of community-based tourism.
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