Developing Community Potential Through the Development of Tourism Routes and Products from Community Identity in Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) examine community data and fundamental potential through tourism routes and products based on local identity in Chanthaburi Province; 2) investigate the components of activity development and community participation in tourism promotion; 3) develop community potential through tourism route development and local identity-based products; and 4) evaluate community potential resulting from such development. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. The sample 
consisted of 286 residents of Rai Phandin Community, Chanthaburi Province. Research instruments included a questionnaire and an interview form. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis and presented descriptively.
The findings revealed that 
1) the community’s fundamental potential consisted of participatory mangrove forest restoration, the promotion of knowledge and awareness of community-based tourism, collaboration among network partners, the establishment of a community 
tourism information center, and the development of tourism public relations media; 
 2) the components of activity development and community participation included activities reflecting community identity, participation in the development and sustainable conservation of tourist attractions, and the improvement of local identity-based products
3) the guidelines for community potential development included improving the adequacy of shops and restaurants, enhancing transportation routes for convenient access to tourist attractions, and developing systematic waste and wastewater 
management; and 4) the evaluation of community potential indicated that local residents were satisfied with environmental impact prevention, tourism management monitoring, benefits gained from tourism, and area development planning with regard to environmental sustainability.