โรงเรียนควาย: การจัดการชุมชนท่องเที่ยววิถีชาวนาไทยเชื้อสายกะเหรี่ยง อำเภอสวนผึ้ง จังหวัดราชบุรี Buffalo’s School: Tourism community Management of Thai farmer of Karen lineage at Suanphung District, Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

The purposes of this study were: 1) to study the context and rice farming wisdom of Thai farmer of Karen lineage. 2) to study the potential of Tourism community of Thai farmer of Karen lineage, and 3) to propose management guidelines of Tourism community of Thai farmer of Karen lineage. This research was qualitative research by using documentary research, observation and interview. The research area was Ban Nong Ta Dang at Tanaosri Sub-District, Suanphung District, Ratchaburi Province. A sample group consisted of 100 tourists using accidental sampling and 15 participants using purposive sampling. Data were conducted by Interviewing form, Observation form, and Content analysis form including to descriptive research. The results showed that

1) Buffalo School was a learning center for life and traditional farming wisdom, using buffalo as the core of Thai farmer of Karen lineage living along Thai-Myanmar border by receiving the buffalo that redeemed life from the buffalo bank on the occasion of the royal charity given by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.

2) The buffalo school was established to support the occupation of Thai farmer of Karen lineage and also a tourist attraction for Ecotourism of Thai Buffalo and the traditional of farmer’s way of life with those activities that the tourist can participate in, such as transplant rice seedlings, buffalo riding, threshing by buffalo etc. It is a tourist attraction to preserve and pass the farmer’s way of life with the buffalo in the past.

3) Management guidelines of Tourism community of Thai farmer of Karen lineage are (1) Activities organizing to promote tourism that reflect the image of traditional Thai farmers and buffalo. (2) Value and importance management of Thai buffalo caused the cherishing and conservation of Thai buffalo breeds and traditional farming wisdom. (3) Maintaining the balance of nature and ecosystem in Thai buffalo village. (4) Preserving the traditional culture of Thai farmers for sustainable development. (5) Budget support from relevant government.