Sufficiency Economy Philosophy: Cultural Ways to Integrate with Sustainable Tourism of Thai Phuan People Suphanburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the cultural way of life of the Thai Phuan community and to examine the integration of sustainable tourism management within the Thai Phuan community in Suphanburi Province, according to the philosophy of sufficiency economy. The population and purposive samples consisted of the following: (1) Experts, including the President of the Thai Phuan Club, teachers, provincial cultural officers, and tourism officers in Suphanburi Province; (2) Practitioners, such as cultural academics, provincial tourism officers, members of the Thai Phuan Club, monks, village heads, subdistrict administrative officers, and provincial administrative officers in Suphanburi; (3) General individuals, including the general public in Suphanburi Province.

             This study employed qualitative research methods in a descriptive format, using tools such as surveys, interviews, observations, focus group meetings, and workshops to collect data. The findings revealed that the Thai Phuan community in Suphanburi had a history spanning more than two hundred years, with Wat Lan Kha as its central hub. The community demonstrated unique cultural traits and identity, including historical sites and tourist attractions reflecting the Thai Phuan identity, which served as strengths for cultural tourism. The "Thai Phuan" referred to a group of Thai people descended from the Phuan people of Muang Phuan in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The Thai Phuan community managed tourism activities by considering environmental impacts and changes to local lifestyles, traditions, and culture. They maintained, preserved, and improved key historical sites within tourist areas. Local communities benefited from tourism activities, both directly and indirectly, through revenue generation. Integration across all dimensions was implemented by adhering to the principles of sufficiency economy, which included moderation, reasonableness, resilience, knowledge, wisdom, and ethical virtues.

Keywords: Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, Cultural Way, Sustainable Tourism Integratio