Participatory Development of Tourism and Community Products along the Sri Lanna Valley Route, Bann Mae Paeng, Mae Pang Subdistrict, Chiang Mai

Abstract

            This research aims to: 1) examine the tourism potential and resources of the Mae Pang community along the Sri Lanna Valley route; 2) facilitate knowledge exchange between the local community and international students to develop creative community-based tourism initiatives; and 3) formulate participatory management approaches for local tourist attractions and community products. The study employed Participatory Action Research (PAR), integrating Community-Based Tourism (CBT) principles, SWOT–TOWS strategic analysis, and Design Thinking activities. The sample group consisted of 30 representatives of the Sri Lanna Valley Community Enterprise and 35 students from Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore, participating in the Passage to ASEAN program as experimental tourists.

            The findings reveal that: 1) Mae Pang possesses diverse natural and cultural tourism resources, including the iconic Chamcha Tree in the water, Mon Hin Lai Waterfall, Pong Bua Ban Hot Spring, Mae Pang Temple, and Mae Ngad Somboon Chon Dam, along with local products such as herbs, woven textiles, handicrafts, and traditional food. Key limitations include the absence of a systematic management framework, inadequate sequencing of tourist sites, and insufficient visitor service infrastructure; 2) The learning exchange with international students led to the development of a creative community-based tourism concept titled “Youth Adventure & Eco Destination,” which integrates ecological, cultural, and lifestyle-based experiences with digital communication strategies aligned with the preferences of younger travelers; and 3) The application of SWOT–TOWS provided clear management directions and resulted in the design of the “Mae Pang Eco–Cultural Route,” a structured itinerary combining boating, trekking, community markets, and handicraft workshops, along with a proposal to establish a community-led visitor center serving as an information and product hub.

            In conclusion, the integration of community participation with international learning exchange constitutes a key mechanism for enhancing the quality and creativity of community-based tourism. The outcomes contribute to sustainable tourism development and align with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic policy framework.