Takua Pa Old Town: Potential for resource development of community-based cultural tourism management

Abstract

Takua Pa Old Town is an old community in Phang-nga Province of Thailand where there is cultural heritage as it was a port and a tin mining area resulting in its civilized identities left to be seen today. This article is a report of qualitative research conducted through SWOT analysis investigating potential of the area for storage of data on cultural resources that could lead to relevant communitybased cultural tourism planning. The study found that the strengths of Takua Pa were historical resources and community participation. However, the weaknesses identified were development of local people on the management of community based tourism. Its opportunities were found to be with the provincial strategic plan and new tourist routes while its threats are in terms of buildings, rules and regulations for tourists. The potential for tourism could be developed based on its community identities through creative design of activities, establishing groups, developing local and state policies leading to effective use of resource base for highest benefits.