The Organization of Cultural Tourism by the Community People in the Region of Toong Kula Rong Hai

Abstract

Problem statement: The real concern of this study was relevant to the issue of how to encourage Toong Kula Rong Hai to become one of the tourists’ attractions distinctively focusing on organic agriculture and cultural tourism. Approach: This was a Qualitative case study conducted in the Koo-Kaa-Sing village, Koo-Kaa-Sing sub-district, Ka-Sate-Wisai district, Roi Et province, geographically recognized as part of Toong Kula Rong Hai in the Northeastern part of Thailand. The subject of this study was obtained by means of Specified Random Sampling. The sample used consisted of folk philosophers, specialists, Buddhist monks, the village headman, the sub-district headman, the Assembly of Cultural Affairs/the Cultural Council, experts, highly qualified persons, teachers, housewives, youths and tourists; they accounted for the total of 15 subjects/respondents. The data were gathered by means of surveys, observations, interviews, small group meeting and workshop. The results obtained were presented in descriptive analysis. Results: The findings revealed that the Community of Koo-Kaa-Sing sub-district had set up a club to be intent on and responsible for tourism promotion. They, however, enjoyed the firm support of the village headman, the sub-district headman and the municipality officials. They utilized the unique available resources as the points of sale. The target tour groups were Tourists interested in Cultural Tourism and students on study tour. However, this Tourism enterprise in the long run tend to be sustainable as long as people enjoy their work and feel happy with their roles to partially play in dealing with the conservation of local cultures and customs. Conclusion: The highly plausible ways of practice by means of allowing the community staff to organize the cultural tourism by developing the existing club in terms of efficient administration to such an enormous extent of strength. It is necessary to establish the tourism network in Toong Kula Rong Hai by creating all the six learning bases to be equipped with permanent instruction media and exhibition/ boards and at the same time adjusting the paradigm of the local government organization and providing the community people with knowledge and understanding of tourism run by the community. So that the community people are urged earnestly to cooperate and take mutual parts and play their wholehearted or voluntary roles.