Participation of Local People in the Management of Cultural Tourism Activities: Community of Ban Khun Samut Chin, Samut Prakan

Abstract

The objectives of the study were 1) to explore cultural resources for tourism at the community of Ban Khun Samut Chin and 2) to study the participation of local people in the management of cultural tourism activities at the community of Ban Khun Samut Chin. The data was collected by qualitative research methodology.The semi-structured interview and participant observation are selected as tools. Moreover, the data is analyzed through content analysis. There are 38 informants including 17 local persons, 6 government officers, and 15 tourists. The results of the study reveal that cultural resources for tourism in the community of Ban Khun Samut Chin consist of 3 main cultures. First, archaeological resources include Wat Khun Samut Thawas, Shrine of Chao Pho Noom Noy Loy Chai, and Ban Khun Samut Chin Museum. Second, local which wisdom is to make shrimp paste and fried shrimp. Third, art and culture or expressed cultural resources are religion, beliefs, tradition, and culture, including the way of life. The participation of local people in the management of cultural tourism activities at the community of Ban Khun Samut Chin is “the activity of homestay tourism”. It is tourism that combines all cultures from the community blended with homestay management through a participatory process of participation in decision-making, operations, benefits, and monitoring and evaluation.