Creative Tourism Management by Using Cultural Capital in Wiang Lor Ancient Town, Chun District, Payao Province

Abstract

          This study employs a research and development approach with the objectives 1) to study the cultural capital, and 2) to develop the creative tourism management by using the cultural capital in Wiang Lor Ancient Town. The research participants comprised three age groups as children, adults and  elderly people. The research findings indicated that the Wiang Lor community possesses a rich historical legacy spanning over 1,000 years. This extensive historical background has endowed the community with a wealth of artistic and cultural heritage. Notable annual traditions include the Phaya Lor Pooja Ceremony, Yi Peng and Long Sa Pao festival, the pork dong raising ceremony, the Ing River fate investigation ritual, and the Sipsong Peng (Pet Phli) tradition, among others.The community exhibits notable local wisdom, which are indicative of the Ing River Basin people's identity. This research has applied cultural capital to the creative tourism management process through the following initiatives: (1) developing a guide manual, (2) cultivating storytellers which resulted in an e-book, 'Following the Storytelling of the Old City of Wiang Lor, (3) developing tourist routes and community tourism programs, and (4) developing tourism activities, including the establishment of the 'Wiang Lor Craft' group.