Development of a Creative Tourism Model Based on Ethnic Identity in the Thai–Cambodian Border Area Surin Province

Abstract

This research consists purposes were 1. to examine the potential and identity of the ethnic cultural capital of Thai–Cambodian border communities in Surin Province as a foundation for creative tourism development and 2. to develop an ethnic identity-based creative tourism model that generates economic value and strengthens the Thai–Cambodian border communities in Surin Province. This study employed a qualitative participatory action research design. The research instrument was an in-depth interview guide and the target group consisted of 30 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data collected from in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and relevant documents were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that 1) the community possesses strong ethnic cultural capital, comprising beliefs and religious sites, the Heet Sip Song (twelve-month traditional customs), local wisdom, handicrafts, and folk music, which reflect the identities of the Lao, Kui and Khmer ethnic groups and can serve as a foundation for developing a creative economy and 2) the ethnic identity-based creative tourism model consists of three main components (1) inputs, namely ethnic cultural capital (2) processes, namely mechanisms for creating creative value through storytelling, tourism route development, and participatory management and (3) outcomes, namely income generation, occupational creation and community empowerment. These components are systemically interrelated. The findings indicate that the ethnic identity-based creative tourism model can serve as a key mechanism for linking cultural capital with the economic system and has the potential to elevate the border community economy toward sustainability.