When the King’s Philosophy Meets Local Wisdoms: Raising the Potential for Community Product Standards and Cultural Tourism in the Central Northeastern region of Thailand

Abstract

This research investigates the methods that can be utilised to improve community products and cultural tourism in Thailand's central northeast in order to address economic and social disparities. The study takes after the philosophy of King Rama IX and creative local wisdoms and uses a three-pronged approach. Firstly, working to improve and establish quality standards for community products and leveraging local knowledge can lead to the enhancement of community products. Secondly, the framework for cultural tourism can be conceptualised through the capitalisation of the uniqueness of the region. Thirdly, fostering community innovations, sustainable learning arises as the pragmatic resolution for long-run empowerment of cultural and economic development. The study utilises a combination of research methods such as interviews, observations, and surveys to pinpoint important areas for growth. These areas include establishing a brand, utilising content marketing, improving product design, and developing regional tourism calendars. The results indicate that these strategies, which are rooted in the local wisdoms and the King's philosophy, have the potential to reduce economic and social inequalities while promoting community-based prosperity.