A Community Potentials for the Development of the Cultural Tourist Attractions in Mae Chaem District Area, Chiangmai Province.

Abstract

           The study on a community potentials for the development of the cultural tourist attractions in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province is on the basis of the research entitled the study of cultural resources in Mae Chaem District area, Chiangmai Province. It aims at studying the community’s potential in order to promote cultural tourism, applyinga qualitative approach.The tools employed for collecting data include an interview form, observation form and focus group discussions. The sample is selected via purposive sampling, including community leaders, local wise men, entrepreneurs, local people and tourists in the area. The data is tested in terms of reliability via triangulation techniqueand is presented by analytical narration.The research results reveal that the potential of the area is attractive in three dimensions. The first one is its topography–the geography and climate. Mae Chaem is located in a valley in which the cultural strength is formed becauseit is hard to reach and prevents the city from modern physical growth: it is like a wall that protects and conserves its cultural characteristics. Secondly, the appearance or look of Mae Chaem effectively reflects its belief system, wisdom, traditions, rites and rituals, as well as typical ways of life which are practiced until now. In addition, the power or influence in the community is also found in terms of the de facto respect to seniors, the idea of the new generation on cultural tourism development in their homeland, and the cooperation from the public sector, aiming to promote tourism.The last dimension that is worth mentioned is ‘identity’. A lot of important identities are reflected in terms of local wisdom –Teen-jok fabric weaving, hair pin making, rice ladder farming; local architecture based on belief – Hor Jao Luang (the king residence building), Hor Sua (the guardian house), temple and house; and the 12-month round rites and rituals – Long Sung Karn (the Songkran festival), Tan Khao Mai (eating new harvest rice)
and Pao Lua Phra Jao (burning wood in winter time). With those strong potentials, Mae Jam has a very good opportunity to be developed as a cultural tourism site which is specifically demanded by the current and future trends.