THE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM OF WAT LAM PHAYA FLOATING MARKET, NAKHON PATHOM PROVINCE

Abstract

The research aims to achieve the following two objectives: (1) to analyze the potential of community-based tourism of Wat Lam Phraya floating market; and (2) to propose guidelines for developing the community-based tourism of Wat Lamphraya floating market. A qualitative research approach was employed to conduct the study. Data were collected by non-participant observations and in-depth interviews with 24 key informants, consisting of the committee involved in the management of Wat Lam Phraya floating market, community merchandisers, government officials, tourists, as well as abbots of the Lam Phraya temple. The data obtained were analyzed by thematic analysis. It was found that the tourism potential of Wat Lam Phraya floating market has been characterized by a community lifestyle market that remains abundant in nature and local identity. It is a floating market where villagers bring agricultural products to sell on boats. Their products include savory dishes, desserts, plants, vegetables and local fruits at low price. In addition, traveling is convenient and does not take a long time. Once the the tourists arrive, they can enjoy a variety of tourism. The study comes up with the following guidelines for developing the community-based tourism of Wat Lam Phraya floating market : (a) a provision of facilities for the disabled and the elderly; (b) a training program for the community personnel development; (c) a public relations campaign for Wat Lam Phraya floating market; (d) a co-awareness building of clean public toilets; (e) a waste management program in the Wat Lam Phraya floating market areas; and (f) a signposts construction for a geographic convenience of tourists.