The Participation of the Public, Private and Civil Society Sectors in Building The Phra Buddha Pussayakhiri Sri Suwanabhum and Developing Place of Civilization to Connect Tourism Dhavaravati of Mueang U-Thong Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

               This research aimed to study the factors contributing of participation", the participation process, and strategies to promote participation among the government, private sector, and civil society in the construction of the Phra Buddha Pussayakhiri Sri Suvarnabhum and the development of the linked tourist area of the Dvaravati civilization in U Thong district, Suphan Buri province. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative research. Data was collected using questionnaires from a sample of 214 individuals selected using by Taro Yamane's formula and stratified sampling. The response rate was 97.66%. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine key informants, and a focus group discussion was held with five experts. Quantitative data was analyzed using basic statistics, while data from interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed using inductive analysis.

            The findings were as follows: 1. Factors contributing to participation: Three key factors were found to drive the project's success: 1) history, related to easy-to-understand communication and linking history to daily life; 2) economy, related to building cooperation among all sectors; and 3) culture, related to valuing community beliefs and values. 2. The participation process of network partners found that: All sectors are highly involved in all dimensions according to Cohen's framework, especially in decision-making and implementation, reflecting shared ownership of the project. However, evaluation still lacks a formal system. A more concrete evaluation system should be developed. 3. Guidelines for promoting participation of network partners. The study results are divided into 2 areas: 1) the results of the impact and satisfaction of the community towards the project, most of them saw that there is an increase in average household income, infrastructure development, tourism stimulation, pride in identity and overall satisfaction with the project, with an average of 4.24, which is at a high level. 2) Suggestions for promoting participation should be implemented as follows: (1) Create open and transparent communication channels. (2) Establish a joint committee and prepare a public budget; (3) organize joint activities such as giving awards and creating public relations materials; and (4) develop community products, promote cultural tourism, and create a cooperation network.