The Networking of Cultural Tourism based on the Buddha’s Footprints in ASEAN Countries : A Case Study of Thailand and Lao

Abstract

          This research project had three objectives; 1) to study and analyze the important Buddha’s footprints in Thailand and Lao, 2) to analyze the process of the networking of cultural tourism in Thailand and Lao, and 3) to synthetize the guideline of conservation and development of the Buddha’s footprints to constructive and sustainable connect the networking of cultural tourism in Thailand and Lao. The research methodology was qualitative research with the documentary study and the field study by using observation, in-depth interview the 5 key informants of each places, and focus group discussion. The fields of the research consist of 5 areas: Thailand 4 places and Lao 1 place.

          The research result was founded that; (1) The 5 important Buddha’s footprints of the field areas had been different background, importance and the development principles corresponding to the concept of networking in 3 dimensions: Management, tourist service, and supporting. And then they correspond to the concept of cultural tourism into these factors: Attraction, accessibility, amenities, accommodation, activities and ancillary service. These factors impacted to the 5 Buddha’s footprints become to be the popular cultural tourism place of local, countries and world based on the Buddha’s footprint. (2) For the process of development of networking cultural tourism in Thai and Lao, it was found that there were the internal potentiality and cooperation with the external organization. These factors impacted to continued development of the Buddha’s footprints both of buildings and contextual places to respond the needs of peoples and organization in local community and tourists both of internal and oversee countries who came to visit in each year. (3) For the guideline of conservation and development of the Buddha’s footprints to constructive and sustainable connect the networking of cultural tourism in Thailand and Lao, it was found that there were the ways of conservation and development into 5 connections: International connection, participative connection, faith connection according to the Buddha travelled around the world, archeological connection, and connection with the world heritage.