Developing the Potential Resources Management of Highland Ethnic Communities to Promote Tourism of Ban Pang Khon, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

           The objective of this research was to strengthen the highland ethnic communities' capacity for resource management in order to encourage tourism in Ban Pang Khon, Chiang Rai Province. Apply the methodologies for participatory action research. The target group is 157 households, and the key informants include 25 village committee members, volunteer representative groups (community enterprise groups, elderly groups, women's groups, and youth groups), 15 people, representatives of households in the community—40 people, boundary partners (the Sub-district Administration Organization, the Royal Highland Agricultural Development Project Ban Pang Khon, the Staff Officer of Nam Kok National Park, and others), and 5 people, for a total of 85 people. Data can be collected using observational forms, guided interview forms, participatory rural appraisal tools, and validity tools based on the Index of Item Objective Congruence. Analyzed the data using both SWOT and content analysis methods. The results showed that community members engaged in the process of analytical thinking, synthesized different community problems, prioritized them, and developed ideas and solutions for collectively resolving difficulties. Realizing the community's potential has demonstrated that developing people's potential is crucial for effectively carrying out various operations within the community. Secondly, the community has established a mechanism, such as a committee or community organization, to carry out tasks, define roles, and set common practices for its members. Thirdly, develop natural, physical, and cultural areas to promote tourism. Lastly, establish a network with relevant organizations.