Developing a strong community network to promote Nawatwithi tourism of the Lao Khrang ethnic groups in Nakhon Pathom province

Abstract

           This article aims to present the knowledge gained from the study about developing a strong community network to enhance community-based tourism of the Lao Khrang ethnic groups in Nakhon Pathom Province. The method for this study is research and development (R&D). Research tools consist of observation, participation, exchange learning dialogue, in-depth interview, focus group discussion and workshop. Set-up of community forum and activity are arranged as a means to enhance participation and co-learning among the Lao Khrang ethnic community, network of academics, and businessmen.
           Guidelines for the development of strong community network, in the context of the Lao Khrang ethnic group tourism community in Nakhon Pathom province, can be categorize into 4 categories: 1) the inheritance of Lao Khrang cultural identity 2) the promotion of occupational groups OTOP product group 3) network activities, and 4) the communication, the information publicity and the knowledge of the Lao Khrang ethnic group in Nakhon Pathom Province. Network activities can be organized into 2 major activities, network management activities and tourism related activities, which is considered identity of Lao Khrang community.  Network management activities include of networking both inside and outside the Lao Khrang ethnic community, network committee meetings and yearly network members meeting, knowledge exchanging activities between network members, network board with a network of scholars and travel operator network, and studying visits with tourism networks and model communities.
          It can be concluded that the Thai network of Lao Khrang descent in Nakhon Pathom Province officially formed as a result of the research process with the following networking activities: “Forum for Synthesis of Network Development Plans for Community Tourism”, “Focus Group Stage”, activities to visit friends in Lao Khrang communities in other areas, pilot activities forum, an experimental activity in tourism management and exchanging knowledge called “A forum to critique the network management plan for community tourism”, and registered the network of Thai Lao Khrang with the Provincial Cultural Office.