Environmental and Facility Design Guideline for Tourism in Historical Attraction Sites, Sisaket Province, Thailand

Abstract

Thailand has outstanding and diverse cultural heritage throughout all its regions, which can be promoted to create income for communities and localities, and also boost the national economy through tourism. Although this heritage possesses high cultural, historical, and artistic value, promoting it to create quality learning and tourism experiences still requires concrete study and promotion. This is especially true for the physical components of artistic sites, which are crucial to the capabilities of tourist attractions, particularly historical ones. The key problem in this study, which uses historical and artistic sites in Sisaket Province as a case study, stems from significant reasons: there is a limited amount of academic work and a lack of systematic research on the physical aspects of these tourist sites. Furthermore, there is a lack of development guidelines regarding facilities and appropriate spatial management that could help unlock that potential and value for future value creation. This research article forms part of the study entitled “Environmental and Facility Design Guideline for Tourism in Historical Attraction Sites: Sisaket Province, Thailand.” The objectives of this study are threefold: (1) to examine the context and systematically document the historical tourism resources in Sisaket Province; (2) to analyze the problems, needs, and standards of the environmental settings and facilities associated with historical tourism in the area; and (3) to propose design guidelines for environments and facilities that promote historical tourism. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates qualitative research —including field surveys and observations of 85 representative historical and cultural sites in 39 sub-districts from 14 districts of Sisaket Province in conjunction with quantitative research data from a questionnaire of 250 respondents and interviews with key stakeholders through a participatory forum.

The findings from the field survey and observations revealed that the historical sites investigated are located in three main areas: 23 sites are situated within urban zones, 49 sites within rural communities, and 13 sites in isolated areas. The overall landscape and visual character are semi-rural. Among these, 46 historical and artistic sites are under the supervision of the Fine Arts Department, while the remaining 39 sites are managed by local authorities or other relevant agencies. The majority of the evaluations indicated a lack of adequate infrastructure to support tourism, including insufficient environmental management systems and safety measures. These deficiencies pose significant obstacles to transforming cultural capital into viable economic potential. An analysis of the survey data highlights the current context and conditions of historical and artistic sites in the area, identifying four key areas requiring development: (1) tourism services and logistics, which are generally inadequate in quality and capacity to accommodate tourism; (2) tourism facilities, including restrooms and resting areas; (3) physical management of the sites; and (4) the broader environmental design, which lacks consistency with tourism standards. Survey respondents particularly noted low satisfaction with logistical components such as transportation access, restroom infrastructure, and the absence of standardized safety features. These elements were identified as priority areas for improvement. Additional concerns included the need to enhance universal accessibility, improve transportation routes and parking, and provide effective spatial information and communication systems. Furthermore, data gathered through participatory interviews with stakeholders revealed three critical insights: (1) there is a need for policy integration at both the provincial and local levels; (2) historical sites should be upgraded into sustainable, high-quality learning and tourism destinations; and (3)policy recommendations concerning the design and management of tourism facilities and environments should emphasize coordinated governance, long-term development, and inclusive promotion. The overarching design concept should aim to create value-based learning spaces that are accessible to all and reflect a clear local identity.

From the study of context, needs and standards, policies and participation proposals, findings revealed significant gaps in tourism infrastructure, environmental management systems, and safety measures across historical sites in Sisaket Province, which impede the transformation of cultural capital into economic capital. The study argues that development should integrate management policies and sustainable environmental concepts to create accessible, high-quality learning destinations with a strong local identity. The proposed guidelines for the environmental and facility design of historical tourism in Sisaket Province include strategic recommendations for management and development policies as follows: (1) developing comprehensive plans and budgeting frameworks for site management, in coordination with conservation, promotion, and restoration strategies; (2)establishing administrative mechanisms and management networks; and (3) promoting the cultural value of the sites while implementing regulatory measures for land use and ensuring equitable distribution of tourism-generated income to local communities. Recommended design guidelines for historical tourism environments and facilities include: (1) articulating core local concepts to develop learning spaces that connect historical significance with contemporary relevance; (2) taking into account the visual impact of environmental and landscape features on historical and cultural sites; (3) promoting effective environmental management practices; (4) ensuring comprehensive safety measures covering visitor welfare, asset protection, accident prevention, and hygiene; and (5) developing inclusive facilities based on Universal Design principles and Tourism for All.