THE MONASTERIES MANAGEMENT FOR CULTURAL TOURISM ATTRACTION IN SAMUTSONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research were 1. to study the monasteries management for cultural tourism attraction in Samutsongkhram Province., 2. to propose a model of the monasteries management for cultural tourism attraction in Samutsongkhram Province.

Methodology was the qualitative method collected data from 30 key- informants by in-depth-interviewing for the knowledge of the monasteries management for cultural tourism attraction in Samutsongkram Province and then to synthesize into a basic model before submitting to the focus group discussion for more perfect model before public hearing for standardized model before submitting to the public. 

Findings of the research were as follows :

1. The monasteries management for cultural tourism attraction in Samutsongkhram Province was found in the following aspects: Religious places aspect; the important Buddhist constructions at each locations indicated the different previous cultures. The maintaining of such places are difficult because the old ages of the places and it is quite difficult to find the competent artisans to repair and up-keep the places. As for the new constructions, they should be built with the Buddhist artistic styles. Personnel aspect ; human resources are very important variables of all matters. Good and skillful human resources will help drive the cultural tourism to the world market. Human resources are the most important. Monastic business affaires aspect ; each monasteries have religious activities on the Buddhist important days. The monasteries with the old and sacred Buddha’s statues such as Luang Por Ban Laem, would attract the crowd of people and tourists to worship once in a life time. Other activities that support the cultural tourism should implemented such as annual temple fares, annual meditation practice or religious activities on different holidays. Environmental aspects ; environment is another factor difficult to control. Environment inside the monasteries, such as the monastery ground and surroundings can be managed and controlled and kept clean and neatly for tourism attractions by the abbots. The external environment such as souvenir shops, refreshment shops and restaurants cannot be managed by the monasteries. It must be cooperative management from all parties concerned to create pleasant environment together, not to take advantages of tourists that will cause problems to follow.
2. The model of the monasteries management for cultural tourism Attraction in Samutsongkram Province was as follows: religious places ; there should be the maintaining plan to conserve and restore the ancient places to be stable and strong. As for new religious place constructions, there should maintain Thai culture, style and ways of life by consulting with the Department of Fine Arts. Personnel aspect ; there should be training of personnel in the areas of effective local language and culture. There should be monasteries development for the center of local cultural and historical learning. Inside monasteries activities aspect ; tourism promotion by meditation practice integrated with Buddhist ancient places and historical restoration, proactive planning for medication practice, cultural and historical consciousness. Histories learning of religious persons and places must be promoted in the serious senses. Environment aspect ; there should be the integration of Thai ways of life with other religions in harmony by creating relationship among villages, communities, religions and networks to develop monasteries, environment for integrated tourist attractions.