Cultural Tourism Potential and the Way of Life of Pak Ror Community, Singha Nakhon District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

          The objective of the study was to investigate the potential of cultural tourism in relation to the way of life of Pak Ror community, Singha Nakhon District, Songkhla Province.  Data were gathered from related documents and research reports such as interview questions to gain understanding of the cultural dimension relating to the way of life of the community.  Data were also collected through survey and in-depth interviews with community leaders, locals, and stakeholders. The data  were  collected from the field through in-depth interviews with  six community leaders, eighteen local people, two academics and two related people in the community in order to obtain understanding of historical, cultural, social, political, economical and environmental dimensions.  The researcher analyzed  the data  by using thematic analysis. SWOT analysis and PEST analysis were performed before all the data were synthesized to understand cultural tourism potential and the way of life of Pak Ror community, Singha Nakhon District, Songkhla Province.

          The study found that Pak Ror has a unique local culture and way of life.  Pak Ror natives make their living out of traditional occupations of coastal fishing in the area around the river basins of Songkhla Lake such as rice farming, sugar palm making and the raising of livestock depending on different geographical characteristics in different areas of the community. Potential cultural tourist attractions are Wat Laem Chak, the making of palm sugar, coastal fishing, rice farming, community enterprises, community learning centers and local product processing groups, etc. These cultural tourist attractions have potential for the development of cultural tourism and the promotion of the community’s livelihood.  Occupations and local resources are geared towards cultural tourism in harmony with the way of life of people in the community.