Public Participation in Organizing Cultural Tourism Events : Case Study: So Remembrance Festival Kusuman District Sakon Nakhon Province

Abstract

This research has the objective of 1) to study public participation in organizing the So Remembrance Festival, Kusuman District, Sakon Nakhon Province; 2) To study problems and obstacles to public participation in organizing the So Remembrance Festival, Kusuman District, Sakon Nakhon Province; and 3) to provide guidelines and suggestions for participation in the next cultural tourism event. This research used qualitative research methods, with important research techniques, including observation and in-depth interviews with 25 key informants.

The results of the study found that public participation in organizing the So Remembrance Festival, the government and citizens participate in all four aspects that are; 1) participation in finding problems and their causes. This can be seen from the government and civil society meetings that have been held to listen to problems from all sectors. 2) participation in planning activities This can be seen from the planning meeting to set up a committee to organize a commemorative festival for each side. 3) Investment and operations. It can be seen that each agency has established a budget to be used in organizing the So Remembrance Festival. The government and private sectors are involved in dressing in traditional Tai So clothing, dancing in worship of Phra Aran Asa, March on the way of life of the Tai So tribe, and 4) Monitoring and evaluating work This can be seen from a government agency that has prepared a satisfaction assessment form for organizing the So Remembrance Festival from the people who attended the event.

There are problems and obstacles to public participation in organizing the So Remembrance Festival, such as an insufficient budget. Communication and coordination are not effective. Public relations is not thorough. Activities within the event are just the same old activities, not giving importance to those who come to perform rituals within the event. And recommendations for organizing the next cultural tourism event include; 1) The committee should plan the disbursement of the budget for organizing the event. 2) Solving the problem of unsystematic coordination, by specifying duties and regulations, with regular meetings are held. 3) Bring technology in to help promote activities through live streaming. 4) New activities should be added within the event, such as a beauty parade competition with trophies and cash to attract more people to attend the event. 5) To increase publicity for organizing the festival, the organizer should develop interesting content on the page, such as creative videos, interesting pictures, and clear information on organizing the So Remembrance Festival.