LOCAL POLITICS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF BUDDHIST TOURISM ALONG THE MEKONG RIVER ROUTE IN THE THAI-LAO BORDER AREA, NONG KHAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article focuses on three main objectives: (1) to analyze the management conditions, problems, and obstacles in promoting Buddhist tourism along the Mekong River route, (2) to examine the factors affecting local governance and the management of Buddhist tourism in the area, and (3) to develop strategic guidelines for local governance that align with Buddhist tourism management. A mixed-methods approach was used, with qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews with 12 key informants and focus group discussions with 12 experts. The data were analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively. Quantitative data were gathered through surveys of 382 tourists from five temples along the Mekong River route in the Thai-Lao border area. A stratified sampling method was employed to ensure comprehensive coverage, followed by descriptive and inferential statistical analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) using the AMOS software.

The research findings are as follows:

1) The management conditions, problems, and obstacles in promoting Buddhist tourism can be categorized into three key factors: external, internal, and supportive factors, consisting of six main areas: 1.1) tourist site attractiveness, 1.2) environmental conditions of the site, 1.3) marketing promotion, 1.4) types of tourism activities, 1.5) tourist motivation, and 1.6) supplementary services at the tourist site.

2) The capacity of temples along the Mekong River to promote tourism is indicated by four key factors: 2.1) environmental management, 2.2) cultural and local lifestyle values, 2.3) site management, and 2.4) historical significance.

3) The development of strategic guidelines for local governance to support Buddhist tourism consists of two main components, ten sub-components, and 75 indicators, all of which were validated through structural equation modeling (SEM).