Food and Local Culture Media in to Enhance the Tourism in I-San Dhavaravadi Society (Phrathat Na Dun)

Abstract

The current study was designed in qualitative approach aiming at examining the current situations of the area, cultural mechanisms leading to tourism development, and creating of innovative local culinary media to creatively boost tourism economies.The findings revealed that the area's current landscape features elevated community land intermittently covered with large trees and several streams, including Huai Wang Long, Huai Bang Bon, Huai Nong Bua, Huai Chong Ngok, Huai Nong Chok, and Huai Tha Khum Poon. However, water scarcity is prevalent in the dry season due to the elevated, sandy terrain, forcing most residents to purchase water for consumption. Approximately 80% of the population are engaged in agriculture, and after the rice farming season, some laborers migrate to other areas for employment.Regarding cultural mechanisms promoting tourism development, Wat Pho Tharam in Ban Dong Bang houses "Hoop Taem," mural paintings dating back more than 200 years. These murals, significant remnants of Isan folk art, depict Buddhist narratives and past local lifestyles. Preserving and presenting Hoop Taem serves as valuable cultural communication and attracts tourists interested in local art and history. The Dong Bang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, together with the local community, has established the Hoop Taem and Local Wisdom Learning Center at Wat Pho Tharam as a knowledge hub for educating visitors about local art and wisdom, displaying and selling community products, and providing services to culturally interested tourists. Additionally, residents of Ban Dong Bang are highly skilled in traditional silk weaving, an inherited wisdom passed down through generations, integral to community life and culture. Tourism activities involving silk weaving, such as silkworm raising, silk reeling, and natural dyeing workshops, contribute to sustainable cultural tourism. Dong Bang community has also developed Community-Based Tourism (CBT), emphasizing active local participation in hosting and caring for tourists, offering homestay accommodations, cultural activities, and showcasing unique local cuisine like "Sa Bak Kheua." Community-based tourism enhances local incomes and pride in cultural heritage. These cultural mechanisms form a critical foundation for tourism development in Dong Bang, integrating cultural preservation, community involvement, and meaningful visitor experiences. Local governmental organizations, along with higher educational institutions both central and surrounding Ban Dong Bang, actively contribute to driving this developmental effort.