Abstract:
The aim of this research project is (1) to explain the historical background and the patterns of property ownership of tourist accommodation in the Amphawa waterfront neighborhood and (2) to analyze the factors contributing to changes in building function from residential to tourist accommodation in this area. The research methods used were a review of relevant literature and field research which includes data collection from an exploration of the areas physical characteristics, participant observation and nonparticipant observation, general interviews and indepth interviews. The findings of the study show that in this area, there were 19 tourist accommodations built from 2004 to 2008. Three of them were built in 2005 with property owners acting as entrepreneurs. Ten were built in 2006 with property owners and their children or other family members acting as entrepreneurs. Three were built in 2007 and the other three in 2008 with the children and other family members of the owners and some outsiders from the community acting as entrepreneurs. The patterns of land ownership before and after the building of tourist accommodation can be classified into 5 types: (1) from building tenants to property owners, (2) from original property owners to new property owners through property purchase, (3) from land owners to land tenants (4) from property owners to building tenants and subtenants and (5) no change in status. The interviews show that the factors motivating the property owners to convert their property into tourist accommodation can be categorized into two groups: (1) main factors and (2) secondary factors. The main factors included (1) Thailand Cultural Environment Project (TCEP) and (2) the Amphawa floating market revitalization project. The secondary factors are as follows: (1) the property owners wanted to make an INVESTMENT. (2) Property owners had an opportunity to join the Thailand Cultural Environment Project (TCEP). (3) Owners already had property and were settled in Amphawa district. (4) Owners property had sufficient space for development. (5) Owners wanted to optimize the use of existing buildings. (6) Owners wanted to conserve and maintain the communitys cultural heritage passed down from their ancestors. (7) Owners were aware of the returns that they and the community would receive by developing their property and (8) they believed that converting and updating their properties would motivate their offspring to return to live in Amphawa.