TOURISM IN MONASTERIES: BALANCE BETWEEN FAITH AND ECONOMY

Abstract

Monasteries are religious institutions that play a crucial role in Thai society. They are not only places for conducting religious ceremonies and disseminating Buddhist teachings but also serve as community centers and cultural tourism destinations that attract numerous visitors, both domestic and international. The growth of the tourism industry in monasteries brings economic benefits, including revenue from entrance fees, donations, and the sale of souvenirs, which can be utilized for monasteries maintenance and religious activities. Unmanaged tourism can lead to negative consequences, such as overcrowding, disturbances to the religious atmosphere, and the commercialization of sacred spaces. These challenges raise critical questions regarding how to balance the preservation of religious values with the economic utilization of monasteries. The concept of sustainable tourism has been introduced as a framework for managing religious tourism. This approach emphasizes conservation-based development, minimizing the adverse effects of tourism, encouraging community participation, and maintaining the religious and cultural identity of the site. The objectives of this article were: 1. To study the impacts of tourism on monasteries from various perspectives. 2. To analyze management approaches that can help mitigate negative impacts and promote sustainable development. This study was beneficial for policymakers, Buddhist monks, tourism authorities, and local communities in finding a balanced approach between preserving religious values and generating income for the economic stability of monasteries and surrounding communities.