Management of community resources to allow tourists to experience the traditional way of life: A case study of local communities at Amphawa floating market Samut songkhram province

Abstract

The aim of presenting this research paper is to propose guidelines for tourism and environmental management in order to be able to experience the traditional way of life and guidelines for the prevention and solution of natural resources and environmental problems of the local community, Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram Province. These are to help people involved understand and realize the value of tourism management and the environment, including the participation of all parties involved in tourism management and natural resource conservation.

The Amphawa community was formerly the largest trading and communication center, in the Mae Klong Basin. However, Amphawa has managed to retain its vivid historical past in terms of architecture, arts, ecology and agriculture. Local people and administrations are known to have their strong points in this regard. Also, outside organizations have participated in the successful rehabilitation of the Amphawa community, involving the conservation of local architecture and the rehabilitation of the floating market. This process has become a model for other local administrations and communities, whose representatives visit Amphawa for a study and share ideas about the conservation process so that they can apply them in their effort to revive their riverside communities across Thailand. The results of the study are that a sustainable Amphawa floating market involves the participation of the local community to create an attractive valuable and sustainable local tourist attraction. The market is part of a way of life which makes a difference to the local community not only by increasing their earnings and growing the local economy but also strengthening local society groups and the environment.