Guidelines for Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism Development in Phipun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
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Abstract
Phipun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, has diverse intangible cultural heritage (ICH) resources but lacks a systematic framework for transforming cultural capital into unique and sustainable tourism activities. This research aims to explore and assess the potential of ICH tourism sites in Phipun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and to propose concrete guidelines for developing the ICH. The study employed a mixed method research approach, collecting quantitative data from a sample of 807 participants and qualitative data from 15 key informants. The findings reveal that Phipun District functions as a living heritage landscape, which integrates intangible cultural heritage such as traditional Thai medicine, local customs, beliefs, and folklore with prominent natural resources, particularly the headwaters of the Tapi River. Nevertheless, a SWOT analysis indicates that despite the area's strengths in cultural capital, community faith, and hospitality, there remain limitations regarding infrastructure accessibility, public relations, and the diversity of tourism activities. The TOWS Matrix analysis and focus group discussions led to the synthesis of tourism development guidelines that emphasize community participation as a core mechanism, driven by the government, private sector, community, and university (G–P–C–U Engagement Network). This research contributes contextual knowledge by defining Phipun District as a "living heritage landscape," where community engagement serves as the central engine for transforming intangible cultural heritage capital into unique tourism experiences, ultimately fostering the sustainable development of secondary cities in the long term.
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