A Development of Cultural Tourism Based on Public Opinions in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were to: 1) examine potential tourism resources in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya District; 2) study standards of cultural tourism resources in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya District; and 3) survey public opinions on cultural tourism development in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya District.  The sample, randomly selected by convenience sampling technique, consisted of 400 people living in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya District.  The research instrument was a questionnaire.  The Qualitative Data Analysis software was used for collecting and analyzing data.  The statistical tools used were frequency, percentage and standard deviation. The findings were as follows: 1) Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a World Heritage Site, including the Ancient Palace, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Rachaburana, Wat Phraram and Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, has been considered to be the highest potential tourism resources in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya District, followed by the various temples in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya District such as Wat Yaichaimongkol, Wat Pananchoeng Woravihara, Wat Suwandararam, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Naphrameru and Wat Buddhaisawan; and the royal monuments of King U-thong, King Naresuan the Great and Somdej Phra Sri Suriyothai; 2) in terms of the standards of cultural tourism resources in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya District, its cultural-based tourist attractions were found to have potential for supporting tourism, attracting tourists and managing tourism respectively; and 3) according to the public opinions on cultural tourism development in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya District, services and utilities management for the tourists should be the main concern.