River tourism along Mae Klong River (Samut Songkram Thailand) : community perceptions, issues and challenges

This paper discusses the major natural and cultural features of the lower reaches of Mae Klong River in Samut Songkhram Province (Thailand). Such information is essential in the development of sustainable community-based tourism along the River. This paper focuses on the issues and concerns of the local community regarding tourism development along the River. The study found that the perceived values attached to the River include economic, symbolic, spiritual, historic, recreational, and educational. This study revealed that the communities are interested in promoting river tourism, but they have some concerns as well as some suggestions on how community-driven tourism should be pursued in a sustainable and collective manner. The factors that the local residents considered crucial in pursuing sustainable and locally managed river tourism include community agreement, community involvement and responsibility, training and education, and compatibility between tourism and local livelihoods. Because rivers transcend political and geographical boundaries, collaborative partnerships among relevant stakeholders are important.