Landscape Design Guidelines for the Sustainable Development and Enhancement of OTOP Nawatwithi Tourism Communities: A Case Study of Bang Ngam Subdistrict, Si Prachan District, Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

Community-based tourism (CBT) has emerged as a key strategy for achieving sustainable tourism development by placing local communities at the center of decision-making. It empowers residents to create tourism activities that reflect local ways of life and enhance their quality of life, fostering mutual understanding and lasting relationships between hosts and visitors. This approach aligns with Thailand’s 20-Year National Strategy (2017–2037) and the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017–2021), which emphasize community and economic resilience. Bang Ngam Subdistrict in Si Prachan District, Suphanburi Province, was selected for development under the OTOP Nawatwithi tourism project. However, the area currently receives few visitors despite having a local market at Wat Nong Phian, a central meeting point within the community. The lack of functional and aesthetically appealing landscape design limits its tourism potential. This research recognizes the importance of spatial integration and the need for landscape improvements to promote the area as a sustainable community-based tourism destination.

The objectives of this study are: (1) to analyze the physical characteristics of the Wat Nong Phian area, (2) to examine factors influencing landscape design for the sustainable development of OTOP Nawatwithi tourism, and (3) to propose landscape design guidelines to enhance and elevate community-based tourism in Bang Ngam Subdistrict. The participatory research process highlights the importance of using natural materials in landscape design and ensuring that architectural and landscape elements align with the contextual identity of the community, in accordance with the OTOP Nawatwithi project's requirements.