Abstract:
This research aimed to drive creative tourism innovations led by local communities and local administrative organizations to support an aging society. It focused on developing a creative tourism resource database, studying the behaviors and needs of senior tourists, and
designing suitable tourism programs in Nern Hom Subdistrict, Prachinburi Provincean area with high cultural, ecological, and local knowledge potential but facing socio-economic challenges among its elderly population. The research adopted a mixed-methods design combined with Participatory Action Research (PAR). It involved collecting secondary data, conducting community engagement, and performing physical surveys in collaboration with 14 local governments. A total of 199 tourism points were mapped and assessed using the 6A criteria: Attraction, Accessibility, Amenities, Accommodation, Activities, and Ancillary services. Community participation and cultural values were also integrated into the assessment framework. Two One-Day Trip routes were developed: Blessed Journey in Nern Hom and Healthy Living with Local Wisdom, featuring hands-on activities such as herbal compress workshops, mushroom cultivation, knife forging, local cooking, and cultural performances. These routes were designed through stakeholder focus groups and GIS-based route simulations using Network Analysis for optimal accessibility.
The research also included physical design of selected tourism sites using UAV aerial photography and 3D photogrammetry to support planning and development. Key improvements included elder-friendly amenities such as ramps, handrails, public toilets, rest areas, and a central community hub, Three Generations Center, acting as a tourist service point. A trial run of the tourism routes was conducted on December 27, 2024, with senior tourists to evaluate experiences and gather feedback. The findings confirmed the communitys readiness to manage creative tourism and demonstrated their potential to deliver meaningful experiences aligned with senior travelers needs.
Key recommendations include enhancing infrastructure to be age-inclusive, establishing tourist information centers, promoting inter-locality networks, and expanding the model to similar communities. These efforts contribute to a sustainable tourism model aligned with Thailands aging demographic and rural revitalization goals.