Strengthening the Network for Organizing Cultural Tourism and Creative Wisdom Management Along the Border in Loei Province

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were: 1) to study the context of cultural tourism resources and creative local wisdom in Loei Province; 2) to examine the participatory process of strengthening networks for managing cultural tourism and creative local wisdom along the border areas of Loei Province; and 3) to propose guidelines for strengthening networks for the management of cultural tourism and creative local wisdom along the border areas of Loei Province. The research instruments consisted of in-depth interviews conducted in two communities, with 15 participants (monks and laypeople) from each community, totaling 30 participants, as well as focus group discussions involving 15 participants. The data were analyzed using inductive reasoning and descriptive analysis.
The research findings revealed that:
1. The cultural tourism and creative local wisdom sites along the border areas of Loei Province, adjacent to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, comprise two main communities: Wat Phra That Satja Community, Tha Li Sub-district, Tha Li District, and Ban Tha Dee Mee Community, Pak Tom Sub-district, Chiang Khan District, Loei Province. Both communities demonstrate distinctive characteristics in managing cultural tourism resources.
2. The participatory network-building process for managing cultural tourism and creative local wisdom along the border areas involves collaboration among various partner organizations. The process begins with coordinating relevant stakeholders, holding stakeholder meetings, selecting community network committees, and managing and administering the network effectively.
3. The guidelines for strengthening networks for the management of cultural tourism and creative local wisdom along the border areas of Loei Province emphasize the establishment of a clear vision and defined roles and responsibilities of the network working committees. These guidelines integrate the application of Aparihāniya-dhamma (the Buddhist principles of non-decline) to promote integrated management, enhance network strength, and support sustainable community development.