BU Elevates Local Cultural Value at SX Sustainability Expo 2025
School of Humanities and Tourism Management participated in a panel discussion at SX Sustainability Expo 2025, presenting a successful model for sustainable community-based tourism development from the case study of Innovative Community Klong 3, Pathum Thani Province. This reflects the integration of collaboration between educational institutions and local communities to create sustainable and equitable development at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Panel Discussion: "Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Tourism: Pathum Thani Province Model"
Panelists
- Dr.Siwasak Pansukkum - Chairperson, Tourism Management Department, School of Humanities and Tourism Management
- A.Atchara Srilachai - School of Humanities and Tourism Management
- K.Rungnapa Kaewtham - President of Sufficiency Economy Learning Center, Village 16, Klong Sam Sub-district, Klong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province
- K.Sorasak Klabwila - Student, School of Humanities and Tourism Management
- K.Gunyootapong Nopakun - Academic Development Collaboration Project Manager and moderator
Dr.Siwasak opened the discussion by explaining the concept of Community-Based Tourism (CBT), a tourism model that emphasizes local people's central role in decision-making, management, and equitable benefit distribution. "CBT is more than bringing tourists to visit communities," he explained. "It is a process that empowers communities to sustainably improve their quality of life using cultural capital, local wisdom, and unique characteristics of each area to create valuable experiences for tourists, while maintaining balance between economic development and environmental and cultural heritage conservation."
He noted that this tourism model addresses the behavior of modern travelers who seek authentic experiences beyond just taking photos, especially after COVID-19, when people yearn for small group travel, nature experiences, and wellness-oriented experiences.
A. Atchara presented details of the academic service project implemented by Bangkok University in collaboration with OTOP Innovative Community Klong 3, Pathum Thani Province, starting with studying the community's potential and cultural values.
Project Discoveries:
- Application of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in daily life
- Organic farming practices
- Traditional wisdom in reed mat weaving and recycled plastic bag crafting
- Traditional farming lifestyles rarely found near Bangkok
Development Initiatives: The team collaborated with the community to develop both full-day and half-day tourism programs for authentic community experiences. Multiple faculties from Bangkok University provided support in various dimensions:
- Creating awareness through social media
- Developing community products with added value
- Marketing planning considering sustainability in both costs and fair returns for the community
"This aligns with Goal 12 regarding sustainable consumption and production," she noted.
K.Rungnapa shared experiences and impressions from this collaboration project, which not only elevated income and quality of life for community members but also created pride in cultural values. "Bangkok University's work with our community helped villagers see the value of what they have," she said. "Whether it's wisdom, lifestyle, or local products - things they previously didn't know how to present for outsiders to appreciate. Now the community has a clear development plan, well-designed tourism activities, and most importantly, community members participate, understand, and share the same vision."
She emphasized that this model can be expanded to other communities and serves as a good prototype at provincial and national levels, reflecting Goal 17 regarding partnerships between different sectors for sustainable development.
K.Sorasak, a student from the Faculty of Humanities and Tourism Management, shared his learning experience from fieldwork: "From studying Community-Based Tourism in class, I had the opportunity to put knowledge into practice," he explained. "I talked with community members, understood their real context and needs, and designed tourism activities that don't just focus on fun but consider sustainability, fair income distribution, and cultural conservation."
He added that this valuable experience inspired him to continue working in sustainable tourism. The participation of young students also helps create new trends and perspectives for community-based tourism, especially through digital marketing and presenting engaging content through online channels that better reach target audiences.
Dr.Siwasak concluded that the collaboration between Bangkok University and Innovative Community Klong 3 is a clear example of implementing sustainable development goals at the community level. "The success of this project doesn't end with just creating income for the community," he stated. "It creates a prototype that can be expanded to other communities. We want every community in Thailand to see that tourism can be a tool for sustainable development without having to sacrifice the environment or culture."
He revealed that Klong 3 Community is just the beginning. Bangkok University plans to work with other communities in Pathum Thani and neighboring provinces to create a strong and sustainable community tourism network.
Bangkok University is participating in the Lifelong Learning zone, G Floor, Hall 2, from today -October 5, 2025. The booth highlights the university’s strong collaboration with local communities through diverse activities driven by students, faculty, and industry partners.
Additionally, there is the Creative Young Designers Season 5 project, which provides students with the opportunity to develop " Pha Khao Ma" fabric products in collaboration with Khao Tao Fabric – Fine Handwoven & Cotton Fabric Center in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
The project showcases students' hands-on design work through exhibitions, including a Talk Show and Creative Showcase featuring the transformation of Pathum Thani lotus fiber into contemporary creations at the event BUA VOYAGE : The Lotus Journey from Tradition to Urban Culture on October 3, 2025, at the Talk Stage, G Floor, Hall 4, from 1:00 - 3:00 PM.
