THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROMOTIONAL MEDIA TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM IN CHOM THONG, BANGKOK

Abstract

This research aims to (1) study the context of ecotourism in Chom Thong District, Bangkok; (2) analyze ecotourism data in Chom Thong District, Bangkok; and (3) develop media to promote ecotourism in Chom Thong District, Bangkok. A qualitative research approach was employed, which included document analysis, participant observation, and in-depth interviews. The key informants comprised: (1) three officers from the Chom Thong District Office and Chom Thong Museum; (2) three community leaders or representatives, along with three agricultural garden owners; and (3) eight Buddhist monks (abbots, deputy abbots, or senior monks) and experts in local history. The findings indicate that ecotourism in Chom Thong District consists of three main aspects: (1) Agricultural Way of Life - the conservation of key fruit varieties, such as Som Bang Mod (Bang Mod oranges) and Linchee Bang Mod (Bang Mod lychees), particularly in gardens along the canals; (2) Tourism Practices - ecotourism sites include cultural heritage sites and agricultural gardens, although there is a lack of promotional efforts; and (3) Art and Cultural Heritage - Chom Thong District is geographically structured like an island, surrounded by historical canals that merge into the Chao Phraya River. The research findings were utilized to develop promotional materials, including a tourism map created using Canva and video clips produced with the INSHOT application. These materials were disseminated through social media platforms such as "Greancyber," "Stories from Thonburi," and the "Wat Sai Community Floating Market."