Buddhist Tourism Management for the Development of the Buddhist Site at Wat Neramit Vipassana, Dan Sai District, Loei Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the current state of Buddhist tourism management for the development of Wat Neramit Vipassana Buddhist site, 2) study the management of Buddhist tourism at Wat Neramit Vipassana, and 3) develop guidelines for managing Buddhist tourism to improve the Wat Neramit Vipassana Buddhist site. This mixed-methods research involved a sample of 260 residents in the Dan Sai Subdistrict Municipality. A questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.954 was used, along with in-depth interviews with eight key informants. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were employed.

The research results revealed that:

1) The management of Buddhist tourism to develop Wat Neramit Vipassana revealed that the temple is situated on a hill, with an ordination hall and pagoda constructed entirely of laterite stone, exquisitely decorated in the central Thai art style. Inside, a replica of Phra Buddha Chinnarat is enshrined, holding religious significance and artistic beauty. The temple is open to tourists daily from morning to evening, with no entrance fee.

2) Regarding the management of Buddhist tourism at Wat Neramit Vipassana, it was found that visitors need to dress respectfully, refrain from making loud noises, show respect for the place, and follow the temple's rules and regulations. Activities include religious education for tourists, appropriate conduct, and opportunities for tourists to offer alms to monks, listen to sermons, meditate, and practice Dharma.

3) Guidelines for developing Buddhist tourism management for the development of Wat Neramit Vipassana Buddhist site revealed that the temple continuously conserves, repairs, and maintains the Buddhist site, preserving its unique identity and historical value. The site maintains order, is natural, and has a well-organized system. Various promotional activities are conducted through online media such as Facebook and websites. Tourists are required to dress respectfully, and religious activities such as observing precepts and practicing meditation are offered for tourists to participate in.