BUILDING POTENTIAL FOR COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN KRABI PROVINCE: SOCIETY, CULTURE, AND ADAPTATION

Abstract

This research aimed to study the current situation of the local community in terms of physical appearance, environmental protection, participation management through culture and adaptation of local people, and the process of enhancing the competency of the local community toward the development of community-based tourism. This study conducted mixed-method research. The quantitative research data were collected by questionnaire. Subjects (N=400) were head of household or representative of members in the household from three communities including Lamsak community, Ao Leuk Noi community, and Baanna community. The qualitative research data were collected by in-depth interviews with six persons of the community leader. Qualitative statistics were analyzed by percentage and quantitative statistics were analyzed by mean, S.D., range, skewness, and kurtosis.   

          The result from this study found that each local communities have potential in the beauty of natural resources, local way of life, culture, and local history. However, there are some parts that local communities required urgent development, for instance, accessibility by road, infrastructure, and wastes management procedures. In addition, the local communities also need knowledge for products development and utilize local resources for value-added. Moreover, local stakeholders need participation in project planning and budget to develop communities-based tourism, career, and training skills of stakeholders in their community.

          The guidelines to enhance the potential of community-based tourism are based on the development of infrastructure, management skills of local people, budget, products development knowledge, and advertisement of tourist attractions to satisfy both domestic and international tourists.