Adapting to Cultural Event Organization after the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Activities in Memorial of King Naresuan the Great in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

This academic article is intended to illustrate adaptation of organizing cultural tourism activities after the Covid-19 pandemic. The case study was the area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, which is a world heritage city and whose main activities are driven by the cultural capital. The study was conducted using an unstructured interview method along with visiting the area to observe the activities carried out. It was found that the event was held after the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic under the project for developing and connecting historical and religious tourist attractions, in which there was a sub-activity to promote historical and cultural tourism entitled the memorial event of King Naresuan, the Great. The event had been postponed twice due to the spread of COVID-19 since 2021 and was completed during 24-28 February, 2022, by using the event styling strategy as a primary mode of operation. The main activity in the event was a performance of performing arts presented in the form of light, color, sound, mixed media, and the story of King Naresuan’s great heroism and local food festivals together with academic discussions. In addition, surveillance control measures of the COVID-19 pandemic were concentrated by the participants who were required to show either their results of COVID-19 testing within 72 hours or vaccination certificates (at least 2 doses) issued by the Ministry of Public Health together with their ID cards. Besides, all entrances and exits to the event area were tightly closed while ATK testing was randomly performed in the event area, which is considered a concrete proactive adjustment of the activities in the current situation.