THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL TOURISM IN PA SAK RIVER BASIN IN CHAI BADAN DISTRICT, LOPBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to study the potential of cultural capital along the Pa Sak River Basin in Chai Badan District, Lopburi Province, for cultural tourism development; propose guidelines for cultural tourism development in the area using community participation methods; and evaluate outcomes of the cultural tourism development of the area. The key informants consisted of 45 experts, 15 practitioners, and 150 Stakeholders. The research instruments included an interview form, a focus-group interview, an observation form, and a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, and content analysis. The findings revealed that: 1) the potential of cultural capital along the Pa Sak River Basin in Chai Badan District was prominent as an ancient community with unique cultural identities and valuable traditions and local wisdom; 2) for the guidelines for cultural tourism development, cultural tourism programs could be developed into two land routes and one water route. These routes were designed for a one-day visit; and 3) an evaluation of the cultural tourism development along the Pa Sak River Basin in Chai Badan District showed that the overall development of cultural tourism potential was at a high level. Overall, the cultural tourism management was also at the highest level. In general, the overall potential of cultural tourism and the overall tourism management are correlated at a high level, with a statistically significant positive relationship at the .01 level.