PARTICIPATORY COMMUNITY TOURISM ROUTE DESIGNATION GUIDELINES PARTICIPATORY COMMUNITY TOURISM ROUTE DESIGNATION GUIDELINES FROM THE RESOURCE BASE IN LAM PHLAI COMMUNITY, THEPHA DISTRICT, SONGKHLA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) Analyze tourism routes in Lam Phlai Community, Thepha District, Songkhla Province, and 2) Develop participatory community-based tourism guidelines grounded in local resource bases. A qualitative research approach was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 18 key informants selected through purposive sampling. The informants were divided into three groups: local administrative authorities; experts and stakeholders; and representatives of community members and tourists, with six participants in each group. Content analysis was used to analyze the data, with triangulation applied to verify data consistency and enhance the credibility of the findings. The results revealed that Lam Phlai Community possesses a comprehensive range of tourism resources. Private-sector resources include fruit orchards, integrated agricultural farms, community shops, and more than 200 rai of rice fields. Public resources consist of Ban Khuan Chedi archaeological site, Khuan Chedi Temple, Khuan Khao viewpoint, Khuan Chedi sea-of-mist viewpoint, Thung Phra Yot water resource, and a community learning center. These resources reflect strong potential in terms of natural assets, agriculture, culture, and community ways of life, which can be appropriately developed into learning-oriented tourism attractions. The researcher proposed tourism development guidelines under the concept of “Travel, Explore the Hills, and Experience the Sea of Mist,” linking six major tourist attractions to support leisure tourism, experiential learning, and study visits. However, several limitations were identified, including accessibility to the area, infrastructure, directional signage, public relations, marketing channels, and inter-sectoral coordination. Therefore, the study proposes policy-oriented recommendations focusing on the establishment of a collaborative management mechanism, infrastructure development, enhancement of service and marketing skills, organization of activities based on local resource bases, and the formulation of strategic plans and tourism route maps. These measures aim to support sustainable community-based tourism management in the long term.