Development of Recreational Innovation for Youth Tour Leaders in the 'New Normal' Community through the Harmonization of Community Power: A Case Study of Huay-Malai Village, Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

This action research aims to: 1) study tourism costs of the Huai Malai community 2) develop innovative recreation activities for young tour guides in the new normal way by synergizing the power of the community and 3) develop a mechanism for coordinating community power to support tourism activities that occur in the community. Data were collected from a purposive sampling of 6 stakeholders, including 5 representatives of Ban Huay Malai School, 5 community representatives, 4 government representatives, 4 private sector representatives, 2 representatives of educational institutions, and 22 representatives of Kasetsart University. Quantitative data were analyzed using basic statistics and t-tests, while qualitative data were used for content analysis. The research results found that 1. The cost of tourism for the Huai Malai community and its associated communities is interestingly diverse, including: 1) cultural capital and diverse resources 2) access routes to tourist attractions that connect Huai Malai communities to 5 main zones, downtown and Tha Muang zones, Srinakarin Dam zone and Kwai Yai River, Sai Yok zone, Ban E Tong zone, and Sangkhlaburi zone, 3) a variety of tourism activities depending on the context of the area, 4) ready facilities, but at some points need to be improved, and 5) a variety of room services. 2. The activity of innovative recreation for youth tour guides in the new normal community, named “Recreation Innovation for Youth Tour Guides in the New Normal Community,” was developed by coordinating the power of the community. Led by the university department, after the youths participated in the activities, their knowledge differed significantly at 0.05. They were qualified as tour guide youths and were satisfied with the activities at the highest level. 3. The mechanisms for community coordination, consist of participation in action planning, observation, reflection, and collectively receiving the benefits of the community.