Regeneration and Development of Local Wisdom Fabric Patterns to Promote Community-Based Tourism in Tha Mai Sub-district, Chum Saeng District, Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

This article examined the regeneration and development of traditional fabric patterns rooted in local wisdom to promote sustainable community-based tourism in Tha Mai Sub-district, Chum Saeng District, Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand. Traditional fabric weaving, which had virtually disappeared from the community for nearly three decades, was successfully revitalized through a mixed-methods research design involving surveys of 392 local residents and 385 tourists, complemented by in-depth interviews with 14 key stakeholders. The study successfully revived three traditional patterns—Pha Khao Ma, 9-lam Ikat fabric, and 11-lam Ikat fabric—while developing two innovative patterns: “Tor Tan” (Palm Trunk Heritage Textile) and “Dok Tan” (Palm Flower Heritage Textile), deliberately designed to reflect the community’s identity as palm sugar producers. These findings enhanced tourist experiences and strengthened local cultural identity. Statistical analysis revealed that 87.5% of local residents recognized the value of fabric pattern regeneration in preserving cultural heritage, while 91.2% of tourists expressed purchase intentions for products featuring these distinctive patterns. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.782, p < 0.001) emerged between the integration of community-based tourism principles with fabric weaving revitalization and community economic development indicators, demonstrating that cultural preservation and economic advancement were complementary rather than competing objectives. The development of natural dyeing techniques using locally sourced materials achieved sustainable production with minimal environmental impact, representing a viable alternative to chemical-dependent manufacturing processes.