RELIGIOUS TOURISM IN THAILAND: SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGES IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
Keywords:
Religious Tourism, Social Change, Tourism IndustryAbstract
Religious tourism plays a significant role in the economic, social, and cultural development of Thailand. Its growth is supported by the country's rich religious and cultural resources, particularly Buddhism, which has long served as a fundamental pillar of Thai society. This academic article aims to examine the current situation of religious tourism in Thailand, analyze the impacts of social transformation and changes in the tourism industry on religious tourism patterns and tourist behavior, and explore relevant policies and future development trends. The study is based on a review and synthesis of related literature, concepts, theories, and previous studies from both domestic and international sources.
The findings indicate that religious tourism in Thailand has evolved from traditional pilgrimage and religious practices toward a more experience-oriented form of tourism that emphasizes learning, cultural appreciation, and spiritual development. Key factors driving this transformation include population aging, the expansion of digital society, the growth of social media, changing values among younger generations, increasing concern for mental well-being, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, technological advancement and government policies promoting quality tourism have created opportunities for religious tourism to generate greater economic value while preserving religious and cultural heritage.
The novel contribution of this article lies in its synthesis demonstrating that religious tourism in Thailand has evolved from a faith-based activity into a form of sustainable spiritual experience tourism. This transformation is driven by the integration of religious and cultural capital with social change, digital technologies, and the concept of quality tourism, thereby creating multidimensional value encompassing economic, social, cultural, and well-being outcomes for both tourists and local communities.
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