Participatory Action Research for Cultural Tourism Manager Based on Community Identity Kadeejeen Area, Thonburi, Bangkok

Abstract

Kadeejeen area is an area with a distinct and well-defined cultural identity; however, it lacks a concrete system for cultural tourism management. Findings from the participatory action research indicate that efforts to advance community identity–based tourism are constrained by limitations in the capacity and skills of individuals involved in community-based tourism management, which constitute fundamental factors requiring development. Therefore, this article aims to develop the skills of cultural tourism managers based on the community identity of the Kadeejeen area. The research employed a qualitative, participatory action research approach, using the concepts of community identity, cultural tourism, creative tourism, and tourism promotion as its research framework. The study area was the Kadeejeen area in Wat Kanlaya Subdistrict, Thonburi District, Bangkok, which includes the communities of Wat Prayurawongsawat, Kudi Chin, Wat Kanlayanamit, Kudi Khao, Wat Buppharam, and Rong Khram. Key informants consisted of 13 community members involved in driving tourism activities in the area, selected through purposive sampling. Three research instruments were used: (1) in-depth interview forms, (2) group discussion guidelines, and (3) reflective forms. Data were analyzed using content analysis and then presented in descriptive form to organize and synthesize the information in accordance with the research objectives.

The results revealed that the community participation process led to the development of a cultural tourism promotion model that systematically connects with community identity and aligns with the real context of the area. The process emphasized experiential learning among participants, increasing their confidence in communicating community stories as well as enhancing their communication, storytelling, and tourism activity design skills. These improved skills developed according to community needs enabled the community to organize tourism management systems, define roles and responsibilities, and prepare spaces to effectively accommodate tourists. This led to improved teamwork and management within the community.

The knowledge gained from this research indicates that the community participation process can enhance the capacity of community members to become sustainable cultural tourism managers. It fosters a sense of ownership within the community and enables them to independently drive development in the long term.