The Potential Surface Analysis (PSA) for Cultural Ecotourism in Boonreung Sub-district Municipality, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai. The Potential Surface Analysis (PSA) for Cultural Ecotourism in Boonreung Sub-district Municipality, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai.

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to 1) analyze the spatial potential for cultural ecotourism in Boonreung sub-district municipality, which was related to the community’s area context and 2) provide the development guidelines for cultural ecotourism which was related to the spatial potential and the need of local people in Boonreung community. Spatial potential, field surveys, secondary data review, and data collection using questionnaires were employed in this study.   Questionnaires, surveys, and map were used as the data collection instruments. Moreover, Potential Analysis Surface (PSA) was used to analyzed the spatial potential.

The findings showed that Boonreung sub-district municipality was a rural community. It had its own identity regarding agriculture, natural areas and culture of Boonreung community: communal forest area, Phu Kang Waterfall area and Phu Kang creek area, agricultural lifestyle area, cultural lifestyle area, local architecture and religious area. The areas which had the most potential for eco-cultural tourism development were Boon Reung Nua Temple, Phu Kang creek and the bottom of Phu Kang Waterfall. Phra That Nang Pook Temple, Pa Or Boon Reung Temple, Phu Kang Waterfall were the second areas which also had the potential for the development. Religious areas, local architecture, cultural lifestyle areas and agricultural lifestyle areas were related to the need of the community in developing the areas mentioned to be eco-cultural tourism areas. Concerning the guidelines for sustainable cultural ecotourism development of Boonreung community according to the spatial potential included the development of waterfront areas, agricultural learning center, community products center, tourism information center and community: Na Baan Na Mong. This would enhance sustainable cultural ecotourism development.