GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNING HISTORICAL TOURISM ROUTES INSPIRED BY THE RAMKHAMHAENG INSCRIPTION I OF KING RAMKHAMHAENG THE GREAT

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) examine the historical context of Inscription No.1 of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great; 2) analyze the culture based on ways of life and belief systems as reflected in Inscription No. 1 of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great; and 3) propose guidelines for developing historical tourism routes based on Inscription No. 1 of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. This study adopts a qualitative research approach using documentary research methodology. Inscription No.1 of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great was employed as the primary source, while the book Sukhothai Inscription No.1: The Inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng was used as a secondary source. In addition, textbooks, academic articles, research papers, and other scholarly documents from reliable sources were reviewed to support data collection. Concepts of historical tourism and tourism route development were also examined and employed as key variables in the analysis, leading to the formulation of guidelines for developing historical tourism routes based on Inscription No. 1 of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great.

The research findings indicate that the development of historical tourism routes following Inscription No.1 of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great should be grounded in historical content derived from the inscription as a knowledge base, transforming historical knowledge into tourism experiences. The process of developing historical tourism routes requires six essential components: 1) tourism route structure; 2) storytelling; 3) thematic design of tourism routes; 4) tourist participation; 5) learning value; and 6) experiential outcomes. These components collectively contribute to meaningful and knowledge-based historical tourism experiences.