Local Community’s Ability for Promoting Ecotourism in the Area of Wat Tilok-Aram Phayao

Abstract

The objective of this research aims to study the ability of local community to promote ecotourism in Wat Tilok-Aram area, Phayao Province. A research is done based on a mixed methodology. The research is conducted by questionnaire and structured interview. The target population is the people who live in Phayao Province and more than 18 years old tourists, with a total of 384 people being selected by using Krejcie and Morgan formula for determining sample size. Another 8 persons are selected as the key informants. The data analysis is done using descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage, standard deviation for a quantitative research; and using content analysis for a qualitative research, including typological analysis through data organizing, interpreting, and summarizing.

The results of this study show that 195 people of respondents are men. The number of 127 people is among 21 to 30 years old. Those who are unmarried about 182 people. Those who are graduated about 116 people. Those who are student about 83 people. Those who have average income below 10,000 Bath about 170 people. 295 people of them live in the northern of Thailand. The study of community’s ability for promoting ecotourism in the area of Wat Tilok-Aram, all 3 opinions, is at average level (=3.08). If it is considered each aspect, it is found that 1) value aspect is at average level (=3.27). 2) Tourist resources and residence are at average level (=3.07). 3) The community’s ability supported by related organizations is at average level (=2.91). The new body of knowledge indicates that 1) the basic factor: the tourists are tenacious and need to preserve the natural environment of Wat Tilok-Aram. In addition, they feel satisfied with travel and accommodation. 2) Accommodate/service place factor: in the area of Wat Tilok-Aram, there is a circulating boat cruise in the middle of the lake to worship the Buddha and various organizations help to support the budget for many activities. 3) Tourism support factor: it should contact the organization to perform ecotourism activities in cooperation with all agencies. 4) Tourism promotion factor: it should exhibit the folk arts in the area of Wat Tilok-Aram which is an area suitable for activities and exercise.