การท่องเที่ยวเชิงแสวงบุญทางพระพุทธศาสนา อำเภอไชยา จังหวัดสุราษฎร์ธานี THE BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE TOURISM IN CHAIYA DISTRICT, SURAT THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

             This dissertation entitled ‘The Buddhist Pilgrimage Tourism in Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province’ has 3 objectives: 1) to study the history of Buddhist sites for pilgrimage tourism, Chaiya district, Surat Thani, 2) to study the problems and difficulties of Buddhist sites for pilgrimage tourism, Chaiya district, Surat Thani province, and 3) to study the Buddhist pilgrimage tourism in Chaiya district, Surat Thani province. This is a qualitative research done by studying documentaries and in-depth interview.

             In the research, it was found that Chaiya was an ancient kingdom following Theravada Buddhism and later approximately 13-16 B.E. the Kingdom of Srivijaya had been established under the power of Shailendra dynasty wherein Mahayana Buddhism was highly practiced. In this respect, ample evidence of Mahayana Buddhism discovered, such as Mahayana Bodhisattva idolatry images made of bronze and stone and Mahayana Buddhist sites. In these sites, there are four places as follows: 1) Wat Phraparamadhãtuchaiyãrãjavaravihãra, 2) Wat Rattanãrãma (Wat Kaew), 3) Wat Long and 4) Wat Thannamlai (Saunmokkha).

            As regards the states of problems and obstacles faced by Buddhist sites concerning  Buddhist pilgrimage tourism, Chaiya district, Surat Thani province, three kinds of problems were found as follows: 1) a problem of staff; they lack competent staff who can understand and apply the history and Buddhism into one aspect and they also do not have Buddhist lecturers who can effectively communicate history and Buddhism in region to audiences, 2) a problem of budget; they do not have sufficient budget in training lecturers, guides and youths through Buddhism and Buddhist history in region; since they do not have proper budget, the ancient sites cannot be properly maintained. This gives rise to improper location for learning ancient sites, and 3) a problem of management and administration; they do not have sign boards giving necessary information or notice boards; in various places different problems were found. Some of the problems were caused due to not having government support for the regional history where its links were unavoidably concerned with nation and Buddhism.

            As far as Buddhist pilgrimage tourism in Chaiya district, Surat Thani province, is concerned, it can be characterized by the following three models 1) the model of paying homage to holy places and other sacrosanct objects, 2) the historical Buddhist tourist model, and 3) Dhamma practice model. Out of these models, tourists come to understand the essential Buddhist principles, giving, precept, cultivation and wisdom but the degree in each model varies. However, the mentioned three models have been exhibiting the paying due respect to Triple Gems, the worship with material things and practical worship. This kind of tourism can be regarded as the Buddhist tourism supported by regional historical Buddhist subjects.