The Practical Guideline and the Development Process of Religio-Cultural Tourist Attraction of the Highland Buddhist Monk Developer Network: Target Area in the District of Samoeng, Galyanivadhana, Pai and Pang Mapha

Abstract

This research article has four objectives:  1) Study the practices of
applying Buddhist principles to develop religious and cultural tourism 2) Monitor
the implementation results, 3. Analyze practices and development processes and 4. Synthesize knowledge from the prototype areas for developing religious
and cultural tourism for ethnic groups in the uplands. This research is a
participatory action research conducted with 30 key informants in the prototype areas: Samoeng District, Kalyaniwattana District, Chiang Mai Province, Pai District, and Pang Mapha District, Mae Hong Son Province.

The research results found that: 1) the practices follow the mission of preserving and restoring cultural traditions and conserving natural resources and the environment, using the concept of developing religious and cultural tourist sites to set tourism development goals, 2) there are two tourist routes, one through the volunteer scholar hermitage in Galyani Vadhana, and another following the footsteps of King Rama IX at Ban Saen Kham Lue in Pang Mapha, 3) the data analysis is consistent with the primary roles of Dhamma missionaries
and volunteer scholars, with practices in three areas: social development,
economic development, and the dissemination of religion and culture, and 4) the outcomes include practices of applying Buddhist principles, suitable models for developing tourist sites for ethnic groups, and a body of knowledge to be expanded to other areas..