A Study of Community Participation Levels in Natural Tourism Attraction Management: A Case Study of Bangoi Sinai Subdistrict, Yaha District, Yala Province

Abstract

Research on Community Participation in Natural Tourism Management: A Case Study of Bangoi Sinai Subdistrict, Yaha District, Yala Province. The study aims to 1) examine the level of community participation in managing natural tourism, and 2) investigate the problems, obstacles, and ways to enhance community participation. The research employs a mixed methods approach, collecting quantitative data thru questionnaires from 379 residents and qualitative data thru interviews with 15 key informants. Data were analyzed using basic statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations, alongside content analysis.

           The research findings indicate that the overall level of community participation is moderate, with an average score of 2.69. The levels of participation in decision-making and implementation are relatively higher than those in monitoring and evaluation and in receiving benefits. The key obstacles identified include: 1. Intermittent participation 2. The distribution of benefits is not equitable, and 3. The limitations in the readiness of the population in certain areas. Therefore, the development approach should promote systematic participation, allowing all sectors to play a role from planning to evaluation, and create transparent management mechanisms to ensure the sustainable economic, social, and environmental development of tourist destinations in the long term.