Old Shopping Markets: Cultural Capital for Tourism in the Upper Northern Thailand

Abstract

This paper presents cultural capital, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of old trails shopping and guidelines for the development of tourism based on cultural capital. Four old shopping markets in the upper north consisting of Kad Luang, Kad Wua Kwaai Tung Faa Bot, Kad Gong Dtaa and Kad Chao Muang Nan are examined in this paper with mixed methods. Data was collected from 100 people who are market owners, traders, buyers and from 1,600 tourists. The research result shows that 1) the cultural capital of four old markets has important identity and in harmony i.e. local dishes, seasonal foods, Lanna lifestyle, building style of shops and other buildings 2) the four old markets can be developed as cultural attractions highlighting the uniqueness of Lanna 3) shopping route come along with sufficient parking lots, rest areas and walkways 4) to develop these markets needs to create commercial value and maintain identity of the markets emphasizing on five keys 1) culture 2) fixed activity schedule 3) development on public spaces 4) participative management and 5) reviving of traditional activities and lifestyle.