CBT case in Thailand.docVIP

Abstract For Conference “Community Based Ecotourism in Southeast Asia Name: Pawinee Sunalai (Ms.) Position: Project Coordinator Organization: Canadian Universities Consortium (CUC) Address: Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120 THAILAND Telephone: 66-2524-6106 Fax: 66-2516-2128 E-mail: pawinee@ait.ac.th Key theme: Theme A – Community-based Ecotourism Planning and Development: the sustainability challenges Title: Community Planning for Tourism Development: Klong Khwang Village, Nakornratchasima Province, Thailand Major Issues/ Questions What are the processes/ techniques/ approaches that were undertaken in order to enhance community participation in tourism planning (Klong Khwang) What were the main factors leading to community involvement in tourism planning and management How Klong Khwang community creates a community cooperative How the community retains and equitably distribute the benefits of tourism Location Klong Khwang is an example of a village where tourism development is being actively planned, developed and managed with a strong emphasis on community involvement. Located in the Province of Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) in the northeast region of Thailand, Klong Khwang is 30 minutes by automobile west of Korat, the province’s capital city. The village belongs to the Sema tambon (sub-district), which includes 13 villages, and the amphoe (district) of Sung Noen, with a total population of 75,000. The village of Klong Khwang contains slightly more than 100 households. Three main attractions in Klong Khwang are a reclining Buddha, the Stone Wheel of Thamma and an archaeological site. Findings At first the community had an idea that the CUC UEM Project would arrive and develop a tourism plan for them. It therefore took sometime to explain and help them to understand that the plan should be developed from their own idea, not others. The Project would only provide them with technical assist