Guidelines for Buddhist Tourism Development of Khositaram Temple Sankhaburi District Chainat Province

Abstract

The research objectives were to 1) study the states and problems of Buddhist tourism at Khositaram Temple. 2) present guidelines for the development of Buddhist tourism at Khositaram Temple. This research was using mixed methods. The Quantitative data was collected by questionnaire involved with 400 Thai tourists who travel to Khositaram Temple. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Qualitative data collected by purposive sampling, using focus group discussion with 13 key informants. Data analyze by using content analysis.

          The findings indicate that; 1) the opinion level about Buddhist tourism states was at high, 2) the opinion level about Buddhist tourism problems was at moderate, and 3) guidelines for Buddhist tourism development of Khositaram Temple, include; (1) attraction: the temple should provide a place for taking photos and landscaping the for tourists, (2) transportation: the temple should work with government agencies to create road signs and warning signs at risky points along the route to temple, (3) facilities: the temple should improve their facilities for elderly and disabled people, and (4) Buddhist tourism activities: the temple should organize activities on important Buddhist day and publicize the information. Suggestions for development; stakeholders should work together to develop the temple to have more attractions for tourists, government agencies and the private sector should do integrate to develop Buddhist tourism to be more effective.