Developing Creative Buddhist Innovation and a One Temple–One Soft Power Model Leveraging Religious and Cultural Capital and Participatory Local Networks to Boost Tourism and the Grassroots Economy in Mae Hong Son Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) examine the management of soft power grounded in religious and cultural capital, 2) develop a creative Buddhist innovation model, “One Temple, One Soft Power,” based on these resources, and 3) operationalize the model through participatory local network mechanisms to enhance tourism and strengthen the grassroots economy. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The sample comprised 250 local residents and 25 expert informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through content analysis.

The study revealed three main findings: 1) the overall management of soft power based on religious and cultural capital was rated high. Among the dimensions assessed, collaboration and network building scored highest, followed by the use of religious and cultural capital, human resource and knowledge development, dissemination and awareness building, and economic value creation. 2) The “One Temple, One Soft Power” model integrates Buddhist principles with soft-power strategies to enhance the contemporary role of temples in the digital era. It positions temples as community learning hubs through creative, culturally grounded activities, promotes local capacity building and vocational skills, nurtures community-based innovators, and supports the development of locally distinctive products. Digital technology is applied to expand the reach of cultural values to broader audiences. 3) Mobilizing this innovation through participatory local networks, involving temples, governmental agencies, private organizations, and civil society, fosters creative tourism activities grounded in local religious and cultural capital. These processes strengthen integrated grassroots community development while balancing economic advancement with the sustainable conservation of natural and cultural resources.