Studying - The Readiness of Tourism Activities for Destinations along the Mekong River to become the ASEAN Community: A Case Study in Chiang Khan at Loei Province, Thailand

Abstract

The purposes of this research are. 1) To study tourism potential in Chiang Khan Thailand and Sanakham in Lao PDR. 2) To study the readiness of communities and to prepare the community for tourism activities in Chiang Khan, Thailand. 3) To study the needs of the tourism industry in Chiang Khan, Thailand. The methodology used is a mix of qualitative and quantitative research. The research findings were as follows: 1). The potential of tourism in Chiang Khan, Thailand cloud be classified into 3 types. First - Nature Tourism, Second - Culture Tourism, Third - Health Tourism, while in Lao PDR tourism potential comprises of culture and health. 2).The study of community readiness and preparing the community for tourism activities studied the preparation of the landscape for the tourist attractions, accommodation, food and facilities, tourism activities and souvenir products. 3). Studying needs of the tourists, found that tourist need peace for most of the holidays (22.19 %) and they demand tourism development, natural resources and environment (21.25 %)