A study of the Miracle of Worthiness, Value and Enrichment in Recognizing New Wisdom for Developing the Potential of Buddhist Cultural Tourism tracing the History of the Chao Phraya-Pasak Basin

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) To study the general background, problems and obstacles in Buddhist cultural tourism, tracing the history of the Chao Phraya-Pa Sak River basin 2) To study the pattern of the network of Buddhist cultural tourism routes, tracing the history of the Chao Phraya-Pa Sak River basin 3) To present a model for developing the potential of Buddhist cultural tourism tracing the history of the Chao Phraya-Pa Sak River basin. The study was conducted among tourists and community leaders in six provinces of central Thailand. The research instruments included questionnaires, interview forms, and checklists. Quantitative data were collected through a survey of tourists visiting temples, focusing on their opinions regarding the development of Buddhist cultural tourism potential. A total of 1,150 tourists were approached, with 764 respondents forming the sample group. Qualitative data were obtained through purposive interviews with 23 abbots or their representatives and 60 community leaders. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were examined through descriptive content analysis.
The results were found as follow:
1. Analysis of tourists’ opinions on the conditions and Issues related to temple visits. The study investigated the opinions of a total population of 1,150 temple visitors, using a sample group of 764 individuals comprising both Thai and international tourists. The findings revealed that Thai tourists expressed a very high level of satisfaction with the development of Buddhist cultural tourism that retraces historical heritage, with an overall mean score of 4.25. Furthermore, qualitative data derived from in-depth interviews with abbots highlighted five key factors essential to the enhancement of this form of tourism: 1) Heritage development and restoration, recommendations were made for government and local agencies to support the conservation and revitalization of cultural and religious heritage, 2) Temple tourism models as the need for dedicated funding and effective public relations campaigns was emphasized to encourage community and societal participation, aiming to develop temples into well-rounded tourist destinations, 3) Tourist facilitation measures as the suggestions included providing adequate parking spaces, directional signage, and clearly marked access routes to improve visitors’ convenience and 4) Local collaboration emphasis was placed on the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation between provincial stakeholders and external agencies and 5) Temple tourism management as the effective management practices were observed, including the organization of merit-making events and religious-historical activities that enhance recognition and promote the significance of the sites.
2. Culturally appropriate learning sites and tourism destinations that generate value and qualify as cultural heritage areas are composed of six key elements: 1) The historical significance of Thai cultural tourism sites, 2) Culturally robust local communities, 3) Indigenous knowledge and traditional craftsmanship, 4) Recognition of heroic figures and historical warriors, 5) The distinctive identity and cultural uniqueness of the Mon community, and 6) Faith and the veneration of sacred objects.
3. The proposed development model synthesized six principal Buddhist cultural tourism routes retracing historical and cultural heritage across the Chao Phraya–Pa Sak River Basin. These routes are as follows: 1) The Historical Trail of the Ancient Capital located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, 2) The Buddhist Cultural Heritage and Local Wisdom Route situated in Ang Thong Province, 3) The Heroic Monuments and Spiritual Heritage Route in Sing Buri Province, 4)The Cultural Arts, Culinary Traditions, and River Community Route located in Chai Nat Province, 5)The Prehistoric and Mon Cultural Identity Route found in Lop Buri Province, 6) The Sacred Pilgrimage and Self-Reliant Community Route located in Saraburi Province.