Abstract:
This research aims to study the destination image by the interpretation content, techniques and tools of historic community sites and the opinions of visitors, villagers and those who have involved in the interpretation techniques and tools in Rattanakosin area. This qualitative study employs in-depth interviews along with observation from the researchers view point, focusing on the case of the cultural heritage interpretation of Thatian Historic Community located in old Bangkok. The result of the study shows that the perception and interpretation of the destination image of Thatian communitys cultural heritage, through the selected communication means, is rather unclear and not successfully presented to visitors due to its limited form and unappealing presentation. Moreover, the presented information does not correspond with historical information, which leads to misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the heritage values of Thatian community. Nonetheless, the communication and interpretation process of what are the heritage values are shared through people within the community. This means the process is viewed as a tool, which the community used to share their story of struggling against eviction. Furthermore, the perception and knowledge about the communitys heritage is not limited to the communications means within the community only, but also from others sources including song lyrics and movies. These are examples of unconventional and creative communication methods, which can effectively deliver the message of cultural heritages values and help to decide the appropriate policy to raise awareness of and inform the public of the importance of the communitys existence. Therefore, the concerned organizations promoting the tourism industry can apply appropriate unconventional and creative communication means in Tourism Policy and the Tourism Master Plan to revive Rattanakosin Island.