The Role of Local Government Administration and The Promotion of Muay Chaiya for Identity Tourism in Surat Thani Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the role of local government administration and the promotion of Muay Chaiya for identity tourism in Surat Thani province; 2) to study factors affecting the role of local government administration and the promotion of Muay Chaiya for identity tourism in Surat Thani province; and 3) to suggest guidelines for the role of local government administration and the promotion of Muay Chaiya for identity tourism in Surat Thani province. This research was a qualitative research using interview form as a data collection tool.  The key informants consisted of 25 people from government sector, private sector and local people; then describe and draw conclusions in a systematic, rational reference theory to organize the data. The finding indicated as follow:

1)The promotion of Muay Chaiya for identity tourism: from the role of the local government administration that can draw the advantage of disseminating the wisdom of Muay Chaiya martial arts to become a cultural heritage; this leads to tourism management on the basis of sufficiency economy in the community to develop added value as a source of income for local people. 2)Factors affecting the role of local government administration and the promotion of Muay Chaiya for identity tourism in Surat Thani province as follow: (1) the consciousness of the people as the host and tourists; (2) coordination and cooperation; (3) local government support; (4) people's participation and (5) community leadership. 3)The development approach to finding alternative opportunities of local government administration through integration will be able to manage the promotion of Muay Chaiya for identity tourism in Surat Thani province to grow towards sustainability.