Approach for Cultural Tourism Development of Old Town VESALI, Samrongchai, Paisali District, Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

Abstract

            The objectives of this study were to: 1) study the spatial context, 2) study the problems and obstacles for development of cultural tourism, and 3) study the guidelines for development of cultural tourism in the ancient city of Vesali at Samrongchai Subdistrict in Phaisali District in Nakhon Sawan Province. This research was qualitative research. The key informants in this study consisted of 7 local administrators and practitioners, 5 local people in Samrongchai Subdistrict, and 5 tourists selected through a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through document analysis, non-participant observation, and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The study findings were as follows: 1)  The spatial context of the ancient city of Vesali was surrounded by rice fields and located near a road used by villagers for traveling between villages. The area of the ancient city comprised an entrance arch, an ordination hall, a sacred water well, a city plan signage of ancient Vesali, a library or hermit's dwelling, a monastic hall, and a large pond in front of the wooden bridge. 2)  The problems and obstacles for development of cultural tourism in the ancient city of Vesali were as follows: (1) In terms of readiness for development: a shortage of personnel knowledgeable in history, lack of budget support in many aspects, insufficient facilities and attractions, (2) In terms of participation in development: activities inconsistently, no training to education the community, and agencies or communities lack opportunities to express opinions or participate in the process, and (3) In terms of publicity by agencies: the promotion was not comprehensive across other areas, lacks continuity, and no multilingual public relations 3)  The guidelines for development of cultural tourism in the ancient city of Vesali were as follows: (1) In terms of development readiness: essential for promoting and continuously provide training along with appropriate budget allocation in various areas such as infrastructure development, personnel training, and organizing educational promotion activities for students in this area, (2) In terms of participation in development of tourism: communication technologies for utilizing as key tools for disseminating information and conducting online meetings, allowing people for expressing their opinions even if they did not attend in person, creating the spaces for equal participation the public opinions, and (3) In terms of public relations: modern technologies for enhancing the efficiency of tourism information dissemination, and promotional media in multiple languages for reaching a diverse group of tourists and appropriately reflect cultural diversity.