An Analysis Of Tourism Potential And Situations Analysis of Community – Based Tourism Bang Sakae Subdistrict, Bangkhonthi District Samutsongkhram Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to to examine the state of community-based tourism and its potential in Bang Sakae Subdistrict, Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram Province.  This study employs a qualitative methodology that includes document studies, interviews, non-participant observation, and SWOT analysis (SWOT Analysis). The research’s findings showed  that Bang Sakae Subdistrict, Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram Province was ready to be a model for community-based tourism.

The results of the research were as follows:

In terms of the community strengths, strong community leaders who focus on human resource development and steer work in the same direction were among the community's assets. In addition, it had a caring social structure and well-managed community. There were good community capital and well-defined community rules and regulations. The interactions between the locals and tourists were positive. It was also a community where property and life were safe. Individuals in the community, which included a sizable youth organization, worked together on environmental issues. In addition, a comprehensive management system for benefit sharing and revenue distribution was established by the community.

One of the community's weakness was its location, which was farther from the city and thus increased manufacturing expenses.  However, due to the community's aging population, there weren't enough people to support the workforce, for example, when the coconut packing house contaminated the shallow waterways (Lam Pradong),          In terms of tourism operations, there were too many trade monopolies in the area, which prevented a wide range of operations in the tourism sector. Because the community was an old one, it lacked younger members to lead tourism-related activities as well as the effectiveness of passing on tourism-related knowledge to the younger generation. Furthermore, a few community members disregarded the laws and guidelines.

In terms of opportunities, Bang Sakae Sub-district had external partners to support, to make study visits and to participate in many activities.  The neighborhood included an attractive scenery, easy access to transit, and effective communication systems.  There were bus services that came and went from the neighborhood. Besides, there were community funds, including external and internal funding sources that supported CBT activities. The neighborhood contained educational facilities as well. Furthermore, the government sectors established policies aimed at continuously promoting tourism and gave greater consideration to the planning of tourist-related events within the community.

Regarding the community threats, it was discovered that there was still a lack of public space for organizing activities, processing goods and promoting careers.  In addition, the neighborhood was a small sub-district that frequently experienced storm-related natural disasters as well as the effects of climate change.  As a result, the product prices were decline.  Moreover, because they had to contribute to their own accomplishments, the local government agencies lacked integration.  Furthermore, a multitude of causes, including the Covid-19 pandemic, political unrest, and economic difficulties, have contributed to the decline in tourism since 2020. 

In conclusion, the result revealed that the community had covered all 6 components of tourism and was ready to be developed by community-based tourism.