THE STUDY OF CULTURAL TOURISM POTENTIAL FOR PARTICIPATION OF THAI–KUI, THAI KHMER and THAI LAO COMMUNITIES, IN SURIN PROVINCE

Abstract

The study of cultural tourism potential for participation of Thai-Kui, Thai Khmer, and Thai Lao communities, in Surin province, is to learn about the potential of cultural tourism, also to find a strategy to develop the tourism in the communities by studying secondary data and collecting primary data in the area. The data was gathered by interviews and group discussions. After that, it was analyzed and presented in descriptive analysis.

The results showed that the potential for cultural tourism in Thai-Kui, Thai Khmer, and Thai- Lao communities is cultural attractions, such as the archaeological sites which can accommodate tourists to learn about the community's culture and can assist tourists to easily access tourist attractions. As for the traditional way of life, it presents their ethnicity. For cultural wisdom, there is conservation in cultural wisdom, products, and handicrafts. Moreover, for the community environment, there is a cultural landscape of Bung Tham forest and Mun River which is a natural food source for people and pets in the community. Guidelines for developing cultural tourism potential through community involvement include the awareness-raising activities with volunteer participation, the application of cultural wisdom to promote tourism, and participative management to advance potential in sustainable tourism management.