Community-Based Tourism Development Strategies for Oh Poi Market, Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

This research aims to: (1) explore the current situation of community-based tourism
at Oh Poi Market, Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province; (2) identify factors affecting
the success of community-based tourism at Oh Poi Market, Suan Phueng District,
Ratchaburi Province; and (3) propose development strategies for community-based tourism
at Oh Poi Market, Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province. The research was conducted
by collecting data from key informants divided into 3 groups totaling 13 people, using
semi-structured interviews as the data collection method. The research findings consist of:
(1) The current situation of community-based tourism at Oh Poi Market, Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province, revealed that Oh Poy Market serves as a successful community-based tourism model through participatory planning, utilizing Karen cultural identity as a selling point, 100% community management through the PDCA system, collaboration with network partners, and environmental goal setting, resulting in continuous income generation for
the community. (2) Success factors include participatory planning, skill development, community management, environmental and social goal setting through Zero Waste concepts and Karen cultural conservation, and supplementary income generation that is fairly distributed to the community through transparent revenue-sharing processes that strengthen the community in the long term. (3) Development strategies comprise the application of the “5 Participations” principle (participate in thinking, planning, implementation, responsibility, and learning) through continuous meetings and skill development, and the continuous use
of the PDCA cycle in developing 3-dimensional sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) to serve as a model for sufficiency economy and sustainable cultural conservation.