Local resource utilization for eco-cultural tourism : case study in Bang Pa-In district. The pattern for integrated cooperation in Koh Kerd sub-district

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) conditions of community cooperation 2) problems
and obstacles of community cooperation and 3) pattern for integrated cooperation of
people and community organizations in Koh Kerd sub-district, Bang Pa-In district, Phra
Nakhon Si-Ayutthaya province. The qualitative research method was applied by using
in-depth interview as a field study. The key informants were the organization
administrators within the community, village heads and assistant village heads, local
people and Buddhist monks. Data were analyzed by summarizing, analytic induction
and logical approach. Descriptive essay was also applied.
The research results revealed that:
1. The conditions of community cooperation were found that even though
Koh Kerd sub-district became more urbanized, the cooperation between local people
and community organizations were still found abundant, especially in activities or
social welfare projects of the community. However, there were also non-participants
but it was on a small scale.
2. The problems and obstacles of community cooperation in Koh Kerd subdistrict did not seem such a serious matter. The obstacle which affected the
cooperation was political problem. The important social problems were social change
and religious differences. Some community heads were too egocentric while some
were not good enough as coordinators. Limited community budget for the
organizations responsible for community development such as district administration
organization and problem on the participation of some groups of people such as
teenagers and working age also caused problems.

3. The pattern for integrated cooperation in Koh Kerd sub-district consisted of
4 important points which were 1) having leaders or organizations which were unbiased,
reliable and able to work collaboratively with all sectors both within and outside the
community for instance: chief executive of the sub-district administrative organization,
sub-district and village headman, abbot, teacher, lecturer or the organizations outside
the community including university and other public organizations. 2) good
communication and cooperation 3) raising awareness of responsibility as citizens and
individuals whose positions were related to community development such as council
members of the sub-district administrative organization, sub-district and village
headman and 4) organizing non-profit public sector activities regularly.