Community-based Spectacular Rituals for Elevating Creative Tourism of Ethnic Groups in Western Thailand

Abstract

Bankhaoyoi in Phetchaburi Province and Banphunamron in Ratchaburi Province have potential tourism management, local wisdom community products, and beautiful ethnic performing arts. The problems of tourism management were found to be interesting. Especially how to motivate interested tourists to promote the value of ethnic arts and image tourism. This article aimed to study 1) the community-based spectacular rituals within the context of the ethnic groups in Western Thailand and 2) to create a prototype community through creative tourism utilizing these rituals. Action research was the research methodology. The sampling group consisted of 70 individuals, including representatives from governmental agencies, the private sector, and local residents affected by tourism, along with 205 Thai tourists participating in community activities through purposive sampling. The research employed two primary instruments for data collection.

1) Group interviews for qualitative analysis and narrative description; and 2) questionnaires for statistical analysis, including mean calculation and standard deviation. The findings include: 1) The community-based spectacular rituals integrate community context and the identity of the rituals, encompassing cultural attire, lifestyle, local customs, and community products, to create performances under the titles "Thai Black Ritual Culture" and "The Devotion of Hot Springs."

2) The development of community prototypes through creative tourism involves collaborative perception-building processes, practical training, and evaluation of community-based rituals within the indigenous cultures of Western Thailand. These initiatives enhance community products, well-being, marketing communication, and creative tourism activities, ultimately elevating the status of creative tourism in the Western Thailand region.