THE WAYS OF WATER BUFFALO AND THE SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF THE THALE NOI COMMUNITY IN PHATTHALUNG PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) analyze the environmental conditions of Thale Noi Community, Phatthalung Province, 2) study the ways of water buffalo farming, and 3) study the approaches for sustainable cultural tourism development of Thale Noi Community, Phatthalung Province. Qualitative research methodology was applied in this study. The key informants were water buffalo farmers, selected by purposive selection. Data were collected by in-depth interviews and analyzed by SWOT Analysis and TOWS Matrix. Content analysis was used to summarize the data from the interviews and the results were presented as descriptive research. The research found that the management of water buffalo tourism for sustainability requires to consider natural and environment conservation by keeping balance of nature and environment in the local areas, especially preserving water buffalo species and plants that are important food sources. To promote sustainable water buffalo tourism of Thale Noi Community, Phatthalung Province, must raise importance and emphasize to tourists the importance and understanding of the way of water buffalo. Systematic tourism management should be integrated with various sectors, both public and private, to create a balance between sustainable development and natural and environmental conservation. However, Thale Noi community, Phatthalung Province still lacks a clear operation plan and application of knowledge to products and services. All in all, these issues can be an important contribution to local development and sustainable cultural tourism in the future.