MANAGING TOURISM IN THE GREATER MEKONG REGION (GMS): A CASE STUDY OF CHIANG KHAN COMMUNITY, NORTHEAST THAILAND†

This study aims to examine complex ‘sustainability ’ aspects of the Community-based tourism concept in tourism and destination management in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). This research is conceptualized in assessing the potential for Community-Based Tourism (CBT) development in Chiang Khan, a small village by the Mekong River in the Northeast of Thailand. For collecting data, semi-interviews questions are designed. Focus-group discussion and in-depth interviews are carried to include tourism stakeholders of the destination. This study argues that although a community may contain many tourism assets, it is not the only factor necessary for a ‘sustainable ’ tourism to be developed in that community. Through a case study, its natural features, cultural activities, local lifestyle and the serene landscape of its location are exemplified as the important community-based tourism assets. However, a number of complex components and holistic approaches that worked well together Chiang Khan becoming a sustainable tourism destination. There elements and approaches that contribute to starting up Chiang Khan as a sustainable tourist destination include: its unique features of recreational activities and local businesses, knowledge and skills of the locals to develop tourism related businesses, and direct proper marketing strategies