The Community Identities for Developing Historical Tourism Sustainably in Chaiyo District, Ang Thong Province

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Abstract

The Guideline to Develop Historical Tourism Sustainably in Chaiyo District, Ang Thong Province. is Participatory Action Research (PAR). The main objective is to search for outstanding identities of the communities which are based on communities’ history, cultural tradition, art and cultural, local communities’ wisdom, communities’ way of living and communities’ local products. As the result, the finding indicates that there are 3 outstanding identities of this district. These 3 outstanding identities are come about communities’ history, cultural tradition, art and cultural, local communities’ wisdom, communities’ way of living and communities’ local products. The first outstanding identity is come about the communities’ history that Chaiyo district is related to the bravery of King Naresuan  in 1586. The second outstanding identity is come about cultural tradition and communities’ way of living that people who live in Chaiyo district have faith in Phra Maha Phutthapim, a scared Buddha image of Wat Chaiyo Worawihan and Somdej Phra Phuthachan (To Phrom-rungsi). For particular reason, there is a famous festival to celebrate for paying homage to Phra Maha Phutthapim or Luang Po To of Wat Chaiyo which is call “Paying homage to Luang Po To of Wat Chaiyo”. Lastly, the third outstanding identity is come about communities’ wisdom and communities’ local products that Chaiyo district is pounded meat and kaffir lime in syrup of Dung Pikul housewife group.

            Promotion to develop historical tourism in accordance with identities of Chaiyo district according to strategic management approach and communicate marketing . in the following: 1) Development strategies of local areas by conservation and restoration historic sites and surrounding areas , management  landscapes and ancient archaeological sites in the area to support the development of transportation for touring the ancient sites in the district. 2) Strategies to promote  and develop stories that indicate identities of area with  establishment information center for tourists at Wat Chaiyo Worawihan, establish cultural village and learning center for local products 3) Marketing Strategies from historical tourism brand to be known and integrated marketing communications that combine various media to promote to the tourists consistently.