The Application of Livelihood Assets for Tourism Development: A Case of Phu Thap Boek Area, Lom Kao District, Phetchabun Province

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to explain how households and community applied their livelihood assets to develop tourism in Phu Thap Boek Area, Lomkao District, Phetchabun Province. The conceptual framework was based on the livelihood assets. With the qualitative research methodology, the purposive sampling technique was utilized to collect data from the informants; they were classified into 4 groups consisting of government agencies or local administrations, community leaders, business groups or organizations, and households. The study tools included both the structured questionnaire and the observation form. The study result revealed that the tourism development in Phu Thap Boek area was based on the livelihood assets of 2 levels: the household level and the community level. 1) At the household level, the agricultural households there needed an extra job with additional income. Thus, their possessing livelihood assets consisting of human capital (education, knowledge, skill, competency) and physical capital (vegetable and fruit plots, household labors) were converted into tourist residences and attractions, whereas the financial capital (current assets, cash and loan) and social capital (kinship system) were used to set the strategy and develop the tourism business. 2) At the community level, the collaboration of community members has formed the process and the organization to drive the tourism related activities in the community. In short, the tourism development in Phu Thap Boek was based on the following key capitals, the natural capital (picturesque landscape and all-year-round cool weather), the physical capital (road and public utility – electricity, water), the social capital (kinship, groups and organizations), the human capital (education of local people, community labor), and the financial capital (budget from the government).