Abstract:
The objectives of this qualitative research were to investigate the background of the Ao-
Nang Community as well as tourism in the community and to study the impact of tourism on the
community over a decade, from 1997 to 2007. The conceptual framework of the study included
the concepts of evolution, modernization and the impact of tourism.
The study findings reveal that tourism has created internal socio-economic and cultural
changes in regards to income, occupation, product prices, livelihood, education, relationships of
community members, lifestyle, values, language, and traditions. The changes have made the
community a modern and convenient place. However, modernization and convenience have come
at a price. The community has experienced certain negative impacts from these socio-economic
changes. Community members are competing with one another in terms of income, occupations,
values and lifestyle, which have generated socio-cultural ramifications. The community has
become more individualistic. The advent of tourism has turned the community into a commercial
product with beautiful appearances but implicit bruises. Tourism has enhanced material progress
but has degraded the spiritual well being of community members. This can be called an illusion of
development. It is thus recommended that tourism development be based on local cultural
foundations so that community development can be sustainable