DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOUVENIRS FOR RIVERSIDE TOURISM COMMUNITIES IN THE CENTRAL CHAO PHRAYA RIVER BASIN: A CASE STUDY OF KO LAT ITAEN ISLAND, NAKHON PATHOM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to study and analyze the characteristics of souvenir products for riverside tourist communities in the central Tha Chin River basin, specifically the Ko Lat It Thaen community. It also examined the consumption behavior and needs for souvenir products, designed and developed prototype souvenir products, and evaluated the satisfaction of the sample group with these prototypes. This quantitative research involved a sample of 60 individuals, including community members, tourists, and interested parties, selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included a questionnaire on consumption behavior and needs and a satisfaction assessment form for seven prototype souvenir products. Data analysis employed mean and standard deviation. The results indicated that Ko Lat It Thaen is a cultural, agricultural, and community-lifestyle tourism destination with abundant natural resources from the Tha Chin River, suitable for mixed agriculture, featuring a folk museum and various agricultural, cultural, and religious attractions. The consumption behavior and needs for souvenir products catered to the digital nomad tourist group, both foreign and Thai. Prototype souvenir products were developed using design thinking principles, applied to the design and development of local wisdom-based relaxation devices, resulting in seven new souvenir product designs. The overall satisfaction of the sample group with the prototype souvenir products was at a good level, with excellent satisfaction in terms of portability, suitable size, and packaging durability.