The Potential of Tourism Based on the use of Biodiversity Resources for Creative Tourism : Ban Mae Phung Luang, Mae Phung Subdistrict, Wang Chin District, Phrae Province

Abstract

       This study was qualitative research. The purposes of this research were to survey bio-diversity in order to evaluate the tourism potential and propose tourism patterns of Maephungluang village, Maephung Sub-District, Wang Chin District, Phrae Province. Data were collected by conducting surveys, interviews, focus group discussion, and estimating the tourism potential with 30 community members: leaders, philosophers, and tourism stakeholders. The researcher also summarized the suggestion from scholars. The data were analyzed using the content analysis, descriptive analysis, frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings of the research revealed that Maephungluang is a community of the Karen ethnic minority group. It is the village in the Upper Northern of Thailand. Natural resources and bio-diversity are abundant in this place. The cultural identity of Karen is prominent as well. The research also found that overall, the level of evaluating the tourism potential of members’ opinion was high (x̄ =3.65). The high level of tourism potential was attractiveness (x̄ =3.77), and tour operations (x̄ =3.94), respectively. While facilities were rated as medium level (x̄ =3.24). The results of the focus group discussion following issues: The establishment of a tourism management group for concrete, Tourist Local guide development, Promoting community products and developing souvenirs for tourism, Establishment of homestay groups, Development of tourism activities that are in line with the needs of tourists which focuses on preserving environmental resources and restoring identity and local wisdom Including promoting the tourism of Maephungluang in a variety of channels.