The Formation of Multicultural Values with Local Food to Develop Phimonrat Subdistrict, Nonthaburi Province as Tourism Location

Abstract

Phimonrat Subdistrict, Nonthaburi Province, has strong potential for development as a gastronomic tourism destination due to its location along the Phimonrat Canal, its long historical background, and its rich cultural capital rooted in the continuous transmission of local culinary wisdom. This study aimed to: (1) collect and systematize traditional culinary knowledge of the Phimonrat community for dissemination, transmission, and further development; (2) develop a model local food-based occupational group as a foundation for tourism development; (3) promote sustainable development of multicultural local food tourism attractions; and (4) cultivate community researchers with knowledge of business management and the application of information technology in traditional local food enterprises. The research employed a community-based research (CBR) approach, integrating participatory action research with qualitative, experimental, and quantitative methods. The target group consisted of 26 participants from villages 3–7 in Phimonrat Subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province. The findings revealed that: (1) 41 traditional food recipes with preparation techniques were systematically documented, along with 7 signature local dishes; (2) the development of local food occupational groups—categorized into savory dishes, desserts, snacks, and food tourism route development—enhanced participants’ skills in food production, marketing, and digital media utilization; (3) a half-day multicultural gastronomic tourism route comprising six key sites was developed, accompanied by the expansion of tourism partnership networks; and (4) 12 community researchers were trained who were capable of effectively communicating the cultural value of local food to the public. The study recommends strengthening distinctive local food identities alongside enhancing collaboration among community leaders, the application of digital technologies, and academic support in order to sustainably elevate gastronomic tourism development within the community.