Development of a Civil Society Collaboration Model to Promote Tourism Development in Chaing Mai Province

Abstract

This research article, entitled aims to: 1) examine the general conditions, problems, and obstacles of civil society collaboration; 2) analyze civil society collaboration in promoting tourism in Chiang Mai Province; and 3) develop a civil society collaboration model for tourism development in Chiang Mai Province. This study employed a qualitative research methodology using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 35 participants, including members of the public, tourism entrepreneurs, and representatives from government agencies and local administrative organizations.

The findings revealed that: 1) Collaboration among the public sector, private sector, civil society, and local communities in Chiang Mai Province remains weak and inconsistent. Although civil society has begun to play a more active role, it is still constrained by structural limitations, insufficient budget and personnel, legal barriers, and weak network linkages. Development guidelines include establishing a central coordinating mechanism, creating shared platforms, strengthening community capacity, developing integrated databases, and promoting meaningful participation of civil society. 2) Civil society demonstrates key strengths in preserving Lanna identity, building networks, and receiving support from both public and private sectors, enabling tourism to develop alongside cultural and environmental conservation. However, challenges remain, including coordination problems, conflicting interests among stakeholders, and limited resources. These issues require the establishment of a central mechanism, as well as effective monitoring and evaluation systems to enhance transparency and trust. 3) The civil society collaboration model is conceptualized as the “LANNA Model”: Local Leadership, Alliance Building, Nurturing Identity, Networking Participation, and Advancement Capacity. This model serves as a framework for driving sustainable tourism development in economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions.