GUIDELINES FOR BUDDHIST TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF WAT THAM KHAO PRATUN, KHAO CHA MAO DISTRICT, RAYONG PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of the research entitled “Guidelines for Buddhist Tourism Development of Wat Tham Khao Pratun, Khao Chamao District, Rayong Province” are as follows: 1) to study Buddhist tourism, 2) to study the state of problems in Buddhist tourism of Wat Tham Khao Pratun in Khao Chamao district of Rayong province, and 3) to study guidelines for Buddhist tourism of Wat Tham Khao Pratun in Khao Chamao district of Rayong province. The research is qualitative study. 1) Buddhist tourism is to maintain national and local arts and cultures and is a center of belief and faith of Thai Buddhists. Tourists who come to visit the temple will be cultivated with Buddhist teachings and good atmosphere. Temple visits result in the growth of virtue and morality among the youths and people in society. Temple is a place enriched with good things according to the 7 principles of Sappaya in Buddhism.  2) In the state of problems in Buddhist tourism of Wat Tham Khao Pratun in Khao Chamao district of Rayong province, the accommodations for Dhamma practice are not sufficient, the temple lacks local guides and interpreters, Buddhist tourism landscape, environment conservation, conscious mind to the nature and public relations are in need. In management, there are shortages of facility, transportation, administrative personnel, budget, instrument and collaboration of people in community, private sector and government sector in participative development and management in Buddhist tourism. 3)The guidelines for Buddhist tourism of Wat Tham Khao Pratun in Khao Chamao district of Rayong province are as follows: The management of Buddhist tourism heritage and local resources should be creative and sustainably beneficial. There should be cooperations of people in community, private sector, government sector, human resources, folk experts, local guides, translators, conservation, renovation, distribution and added value building in promoting the Buddhist tourism of Wat Tham Khao Pratun in Khao Chamao district of Rayong province.