THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARTICIPATORY ECO- ART TOURISM IN WANGMAIKHON SUBDISTRICT, SAWANKHALOK DISTRICT, SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This article aimed to enhance the participatory Eco- art tourism and the development of knowledge and community products from natural and waste materials in Wangmaikhon Sub-District, Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province.The research was participatory research with 20 participants from the representatives of Wangmaikhon Sub-District Administrative Organization; the community tourism entrepreneurs like Rongnabanrai; a monk from Chantarapas Monastery; the agriculturalists; young people; and the elders.

According to the first research objective, it contributed to knowledge management of the history of Wangmaikhon and Sawankhalok Cities; the community tourism map; the development of an Eco-art area in Chantaropas Monastery which promoted the Eco-tourism of the community with participation. Meanwhile, the second research objective has led to Eco-art knowledge and activities, and the value-added of community products from waste and natural materials. It is the Praruang clay pigment which is new knowledge and contributed to the transferring of knowledge to other communities in Sukhothai Province.