The Potential for Cultural Tourism Management of Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market, Phasi Charoen District, Bangkok

Abstract

     This research aimed to study 1) the community context of the Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market 2) assess the potential for cultural tourism management. The case study site was the Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market in Phasi Charoen District, Bangkok. This qualitative research used semi-structured interview with 10 key informants : including community president, entrepreneurs and tourists. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The potential was assessed using SWOT Analysis.

     The research results found that 1) from studying the context of Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market, it is an old riverside community that was once route used by nobles and officials during the Thonburi period. Currently, it still preserves the identity of the area and the way of life of people living along the canal. This has led to the restoration and development of cultural tourism with active community participation. A unique feature of the market is the traditional Hun Lakorn Lek performance 2) Regarding tourism potential, strengths include cultural and historical identity, the riverside atmosphere, local arts and handicrafts, and community participation. Weaknesses include limited accessibility, small site side, insufficient public relations and marketing, and inadequate public utilities. Opportunities include support from the government and private sectors, the trend of cultural tourism, online marketing, and new designers and artists in the community. Threated include economic impacts, pollution and environmental changing behavior of yonger tourists, and the declining local workforce.

     Therefore, local participation should be enhanced through capacity-  building in cultural tourism managment and marketing to entrepreneurs and residents. Infrastructure should be improved to support tourism services. Digital signage should be installed to promote tourism and raise environmental awareness among visitor, encouraging conservation of water resources and sustainable tourism practices.