Conservation and tourism development of waterfront heritage community: A case study of Sakae Krang River floating house community, Mueang Uthai Thani District, Uthai Thani Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the cultural significance and heritage resources of the Sakae Krang River floating house community in Uthai Thani Province; 2) identify suitable guidelines for conservation and sustainable tourism development for the community; and 3) propose tourism development policies to local tourism development agencies. The sample consisted of community members as well as representatives from related government and private agencies. The research instrument was an in-depth interview form. The results indicated that the Sakae Krang River floating houses community is a living cultural heritage that reflects social development process, particularly regarding societal values and needs that recognize the connection between human livelihoods and the local environment. This connection spans daily living, work practices and cultural identity and emotional attachments. Sakae Krang River hosts and the largest number of floating houses in Thailand, retaining its charming local identity and traditional way of life. The floating houses community can develop learning activities about gourami fish farming and culinary preparation, where accommodations or homestays facilitate hands-on learning experiences for tourists. Additionally, developing tourism activities requires support from community development agencies to design and promote community tourism. Policies and guidelines should prioritize crafting community stories before creating tourism activities, promoting through online media, developing preliminary tourism models and bringing together tourism entrepreneurs to brainstorm ideas for community tourism development.