The Construction of Community Capital toward Community-Based Tourism in Ban Tuek Subdistrict, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) explore and analyze the potential of the community capital ecosystem in Ban Tuek Subdistrict, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province, and 2) construct community capital for the management of community-based tourism in Ban Tuek Subdistrict, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province. This qualitative study collected data through in-depth interviews with key informants, including local leaders, local knowledge holders, entrepreneurs, representatives of community groups, and local associations, totaling 21 participants. The research utilized semi-structured interviews, supporting documents, and focus group discussions, followed by content analysis. The findings revealed that: 1) Ban Tuek Subdistrict possesses human capital derived from local wisdom in weaving, herbal medicine, and traditional foods; strong social capital from kinship and collaborative networks; notable cultural capital, such as the Hae Nam Khuen Hong festival and the legend of Chao Muen Dong; abundant natural resources, including mountains, waterfalls, and agricultural land; institutional capital from the Subdistrict Administrative Organization and community enterprises; and financial capital from tourism activities and community products like mud-fermented cloth and homestays. 2) The construction of community capital was integrated into a diverse tourism ecosystem, including knowledge-based tourism from learning local wisdom, cultural and spiritual tourism rooted in faith in Chao Muen Dong and community lifestyles, eco-tourism based on forest and stream resources, health tourism from herbs and local foods, and agro-tourism associated with rice farming and Huai Tom coffee. The results indicate that leveraging community capital as a foundation can foster sustainable community-based tourism, support the local economy, and promote the preservation of cultural heritage alongside environmental conservation.