GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATORY CULTURAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT AT WATPHRAPHUTTHABAT RAJAWORAMAHAVIHAN, SARABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims 1) To study the conditions of cultural tourism management at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Saraburi Province. 2) To study the process of cultural tourism management at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Saraburi Province. 3) To study the participatory approach to cultural tourism management at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Saraburi Province. The research employed a qualitative research methodology. The research instruments were interviews and focus group discussions with 20 key informants, including monks and laypersons, as well as a study of related documents and non-participant observation. Data triangulation was used for data verification, and descriptive analysis was applied.

The findings revealed that: 1) The condition of cultural tourism management at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan remains an important center of Buddhism and local traditions, but it faces problems such as tourist congestion during festival periods, inadequate area management systems, and unequal distribution of benefits to the community. 2) The tourism management process has been integrated from multiple sectors, including the temple, government agencies, and the community, with an emphasis on the conservation of religious sites and the continuation of traditions such as the Worship of the Buddha’s Footprint Festival and the Offering of Flowers on Buddhist Lent Festival. However, it still lacks a systematic administrative structure and participatory mechanisms. 3) The appropriate management approach should emphasize community participation in all stages, including planning, organizing activities, and allocating benefits, by integrating the principles of cultural tourism with the Seven Sappaya principles to create a balance between the conservation of cultural heritage, the improvement of community quality of life, and the promotion of the tourism economy. The research results can serve as a prototype for the development of participatory cultural tourism management for Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan and can also be applied to other religious sites or cultural tourism areas in the country.