RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL TOURISM IN THE LOWER NORTHEAST REGION OF THAILAND: HISTORY, ROUTES, AND NETWORK STRENGTHENING IN ASEAN COMMUNITY

Abstract

Abstract

This research aimed to study history and routes, to develop the community and entrepreneurs potentiality and the English communication, to strengthen the tourism network, and to analyze problems and strategies on religious and cultural tourism in the lower Isan for economic cooperation in ASEAN Community. It was a mixed research. Data collection was done by means of document study and field study from a sample group of 499 key informants in 12 areas in the lower Isan. Descriptive analysis was used in the research.

The findings were; (1) the lower Isan provinces consisted of 4 ethnic groups i.e. Khmer, Kui, Laos, and Thai Korat. The travelling places were the National Park of Somdej Phra Buddhachan (To Brommarangsi), Phimai Historical Park, Prasat Phanom Rung Historical Park, Prasat Muang Tam, Wat Khao Sala, Wat Pa Arjiang, Wat Prai Phatthana, and Wat Sirindhorn Wanaram Phu Prao; (2) there were 6 development approaches for communities and entrepreneurs potentiality; (3) the entrepreneurs’ potential development on English communication was significantly in higher scores; (4) there were corporations in all levels of communities, provinces, and nation for network strengthening; (5) the problem found in the lower Isan was the management problem. The proposed tourism strategies were 9 strategies, 10 goals, and 36 measures.