The management of community learning centers for historical retrospective tourism through artworks in Khok Pho District, Pattani Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the management of community learning centers, factors affecting community participation in developing community learning centers into tourist attractions, and to analyze appropriate participation factors for managing community learning centers for historical retrospective tourism through artworks in Khok Pho District, Pattani Province. The research methodology used was a mixed method. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected key informants including administrators, practitioners, academics, community leaders, officials, and youths. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis. Quantitative research was also conducted using questionnaires distributed to a sample of 400 people from 12 sub-districts in Khok Pho District. Quantitative data was analyzed using percentage and means. The findings revealed that managing community learning centers for tourism was important in 7 aspects: 1) planning 2) management 3) human resource management for tourism promotion 4) directing 5) coordination 6) reporting and 7) budget allocation. Factors affecting community participation in developing community learning centers consisted of main factors including knowledge level of historical, artistic and cultural evidence which was at a high level overall (x ̅ = 3.82 ; SD = 0.96). Community participation in managing community learning centers was at a moderate level overall (x ̅ = 3.37 ; SD = 1.12). Factors affecting the success in developing community learning centers was at a high level overall (x ̅ = 4.05 ; SD = 0.85). The analysis of appropriate participation factors in managing community learning centers for historical retrospective tourism through artworks in Khok Pho District, Pattani Province could be divided into 4 aspects: 1) context and conservation of historical resources 2) participation 3) management and 4) learning.