Development of the Tourism Area of Phra Chanok Chakri City based on Buddhist Culture

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the tourism area of Phra Chanok Chakri based on Buddhist culture; 2) to present the tourism area of Phra Chanok Chakri based on Buddhist culture; and 3) to develop the tourism area of Phra Chanok Chakri based on Buddhist culture. This was a qualitative and operational research including document research using interviews, focus groups with monks, community leaders in the area, government agency, representatives local scholars, elders, groups of villagers, and groups of volunteers working in the area, 40 persons by purposive sampling. For action research, there were pattern design activity set, how to develop the area, activity development, tourism promotion by selecting the Phra Chanok Chakri community. (Nong Chang District), Uthai Thani Province. The results of the research found that 1) the tourism area of Phra Chanok Chakri based on Buddhist culture, Uthai Thani Province consisted of tourism resources, both naturally occurring and man-made. They were customs, culture, traditions, and way of life as well as tourism resources available within their own community. A famous traditional event that was popular with tourists every year and activities for making merit in the third lunar month continuing the traditions of the Uthai people, Nong Chang District; 2) from the survey, the area was presented at the Third Month Merit Ceremony to continue the traditions of the Uthai people. It was a performance space. The Buddhist cultural tourism area and the merit-making area were areas to express the identity of Buddhism; and 3) the development of the Phra Chanok Chakri city tourism area based on Buddhist culture. There was cooperation between the temple and the community and related agencies to develop an area for the third lunar month merit-making ceremony, continuing the tradition of the Uthai people. It was an area for displaying Buddhist culture, such as an area for Tham Khwan Khao, area for Tham Kwan Nak Mu, area for Naga parade contest, area for dance procession in front of Naga, area for preparing sweet and savory deck contest, etc., and area for making merit, such as paying homage to a replica of the Buddha's footprint, gilded Buddha image to pay homage to the Buddha, etc.