The Relationship between Community Cultures and Homestay Social Enterprises in Tai Community, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand
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Abstract
Abstract
This article is a sociological and anthropological study that aims to (1) study the rural transformation of Ban Luang community, a Shan community, from rice transportation area to cultural tourism community, (2) understand the relation between the community culture and homestay businesses in the community and identify the cultural networks which involve and support homestay social enterprises, through the concept of the community culture and the concept of social enterprise in Thailand. The research data was gathered between July and December 2020 in Ban Luang community (Ban Luang Moo.8, and Ban Taupae, Moo.1), Mae Ngao sub-district, Khun Yuam district, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. Five homestay social entrepreneurs (homestay owners) in Ban Luang community were in-depth interviewed and hundred household samplings from the community (35 household samplings in Ban Luang and 65 household samplings in Ban Taupae) were surveyed by questionnaires. The research findings indicate that Ban Luang community is become the cultural tourism community due to the supporting of local institution of education and state agencies, such as Maehongson Community College, provincial and district community development offices, Mae Hong Son provincial cultural office, and Tourism office of Mae Hong Son province. The success of homestay social enterprises in Ban Luang community is depended on five cultural strategies. There are Ban Luang community’s history, Shan food culture and food safety, ways of life and rituals of Shan villagers, community forest surrounding Ban Luang community, and hospitality and generosity of Shan villagers. In addition, the research finding also shows that the homestay activities in Ban Luang community are promoted by at least 12 cultural networks (cultural groups): building iron sword group, chasing metal sheet group, dancing group, basketry group, making fermented soybean group, sugarcane pressing group, chicken farming group, growing organic vegetables group, hunting and gathering forest products group, guiding tourists to Japanese troop transportation way group, nature and herb study group, and bird-watching group.
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Individual Interview
1. Mr.Nisit (pseudonym), a head of homestay owner group in Ban Luang community, 14 November 2020
2. Mrs.Pen (pseudonym), a female homestay owner in Ban Luang community, 12 December 2020