THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARTICIPATORY COMMUNITIES’ AGRO-TOURISM STRATEGIES BASED ON THE PHILOSOCHY OF SUFFICENCY ECONOMY IN LAMPANG PROVINCE

Abstract

               The purposes of this study, entitled “The Development of Participatory Communities’ Agro-Tourism Strategies Based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy in Lampang Province”, aimed to investigate the situations and the development of the participatory communities’ agro-tourism based on the philosophy of sufficiency economy in Lampang Province. This study focused on both the qualitative and quantitative researches. For research methodology, Mae Chaem village, Muang Pan District, Lampang Province was used as the targeted area, which was covered with different agro-tourism sites with emphasis on the philosophy of sufficiency economy. In addition, planting crops with its good climates such as Arabica coffee, macadamia, persimmons, peaches, teas, passion fruits, ginsengs, herbs, weeds, etc. was mostly found in terms of the villagers’ main occupation and the royal project’s academic trainings were supported.   

                   According to the accessibility of agro-tourism contexts, it showed that not only were tourist routes with its tourist signs facilitated, but also the villagers’ awards were guaranteed for such a village’s tourist attractions. Local products were mainly used as souvenirs, and interesting tourism activities were also provided for tourists’ travelling purposes.    

                   Regarding to the investigation of agro-tourism situations, it showed that the participatory communities’ agro-tourism based on the philosophy of sufficiency economy was divided into two major strategies: 1) Strategies for agro-tourism cooperation based on the philosophy of sufficiency economy in Lampang Province, and 2) Strategies for the development of agro-tourism facilities based on on the philosophy of sufficiency economy in Lampang Province.