Abstract:
The study used a participatory action research with the following objectives: 1) to investigate the context and fundamental elements influencing the development of Wat Sikuk, Nam Tao Subdistrict, Bang Ban District, Ayutthaya Province as a Buddhist tourist attraction; 2) to establish the participatory process of Bowon (Village, Temple, Government Agency) power based on Buddhist peaceful means; and 3) to present the participatory process of Bowon (village, temple, government agency) power based on Buddhist peaceful means in developing temple as the Buddhist tourist attraction. The research tools included an interview, participant observation by local researchers, focus group discussion, an Appreciative Interaction Commitment (AIC), an After-Action-Review technique (AAR), and a 4-time activity design that was evaluated using qualitative data analysis.
From the study, the following results are found:
1) Wat Sikuk has a unique physical location that adds to its charm, as well as a long history that includes Buddhist activities to promote morality. The temple contains fundamental elements that have the potential to become a tourist attraction. Despite some obstacles, the expected future scenario is for Wat Sikuk to become Ayutthaya's stable, wealthy, sustainable, and well-known tourist attraction.
2) The establishment of a participatory process in the development of Wat Sikuk as a tourist attraction is based on the integration of Buddhist teachings on Aparihāniyadhamma (conditions of welfare) and Sāraṇīyadhamma (states of conciliation) through participatory action research in designing various activities. The main mechanism is to have Bowon power as the co-researchers with researcher as the mentor on a friendly manner (Kalyāṇamitta).
3) The process to create participation of Bowon power in developing temple as the Buddhist tourist attraction consists of four activities: (1) Raising awareness through listening and expressing ideas; (2) Seeking opportunities and analyzing problems; (3) Creating power through the participation of people within the temple; (4) Preparing to implement the plan. An open forum is held twice to begin the implementation process with participation: once to expand the network and prepare to become a tourist attraction, and the other time to collaborate for empowering participation. The results of the "Bowon" network participation process result in the development of Wat Sikuk and the readiness of the temple to be a Buddhist tourist attraction, in which every sector shares the common goal of highlighting the tourist spots, improving the landscape, preparing personnel, creating a public relations plan, creating the temple's identity to attract tourists, and improving the temple website to raise public awareness.
The body of knowledge gained from the study called SIKUK which includes: S stands for social network for cooperation, which is Bowon power; "I" stands for interconnection, which is the mechanism that allows researchers and communities to collaborate and drive local research; "K" stands for Kalyāṇamitta, researcher acts as a mentor in various activities; "U" stands for Unity, Bowon power group held regular meetings to discuss together to drive the temple development activities; "K" stands for Kick Off which is the beginning to turn the area of Wat Sikuk into a Buddhist tourist attraction through public relations. The success from participating in the development of "Bowon" power is classified into four aspects: physical, social, mental, and intellectual. While the achievement can be summarized into four points known as PIPS, which include: a peaceful land that brings both inner and outer happiness; income that leads to community economic development; pride which refers to local pride; and sustainability that leads to the temple's long-term development.