APPROACH TO DEVELOP CREATIVE TOURISM IN WAT THONGNOPPHAKHUN, KHONGSAN DISTRICT, BANGKOK

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) Investigate the potential of the creative tourism development in Wat Thongnopphakhun, Khongsan District, Bangkok, and 2) propose approach to develop creative tourism in this temple. The research was conducted with qualitative method. The data were obtained from 32 key informants belonging to the public and private sectors, people, monks and tourists visiting the temple. Data was analyzed with content analysis to resume the significant issues.

         The results of the research were as follows: 1) Wat Thongnopphakhun had potential for the creative tourism development: having tourism resources, sustainable management, community participation and spiritual development activities. 2) Approach to develop creative tourism in Wat Thongnopphakhun was to create 4 creative tourism brands with creative tourism projects of each brand, the first brand: visiting Wat Thong Song Tham, studying Dhamma in the natural area on the bank of Chao Phraya River to preserve the environment. The second brand: visiting Wat Thongnopphakhun, studying 3 schools of the ancient thai art: Ayutthaya, Thonburi and Rattanakosin. The third brand: visiting Wat Thongnopphakhun, interpreting the enigmatic meaning of Dhamma on the realism art mural painting of Khurua in Khong style. The fourth brand: visiting Wat Thongnopphakhun, mind practice with the three-fold learning: morality, mentality and wisdom, to stop suffering. While developing these four creative activities, tourists will cultivate their valuable experience.