Local Museum with Sustainable Tourism: Koh Kret, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

Koh Kret, Nonthaburi Province is a famous tourist destination not far from Bangkok.It is popular with both Thai and foreign tourists. It is a large island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River. There is a variety of communities and ethnic lifestyles, including true Thai, Thai Mon, and Thai Muslims. The most famous is the Thai Mon people who have distinct cultural characteristics. They have excellent local wisdom in pottery, food and sweets. Most tourists visiting Koh Kret would be strolling, buying souvenirs, paying respects to Buddha images, cycling, or taking a boat ride around the island. This article aims to study local museums in Kret Island and how they can use their potentials to promote sustainable tourism.

From the study, it was found that Koh Kret has two local museums: the Temple of Pramaiyigawas Worawihan and Ban Kwan Aman of the Mon. They are the sources of knowledge about culture, tradition and community. In addition to shopping for pleasure, the Temple of Pramaiyikawas Worawihan needs to be better managed. The community should be participating in decision-makings, setting directions, having opportunities for exchanging opinions and learning, having a sense of shared ownership and values of the museum. Then, as a result, the sustainable management of local museums will affect sustainable tourism in Kret Island. The Mon people Museum (Ban Kwan Aman) has now been permanently closed due to the sole supervision of the founder. Given the insufficient number of visitors and lots of items damaged by tourists, maintenance is difficult. The founder gave away some of the museum’s contents to Sukhothai Thammathirat University and other museums. If the museum is to be revived in the future, it will require cooperation from the public and private sectors. And most importantly, the community must participate in the re- establishment of the museum, so it will be successful and sustainable.