Planning Mekong Tourism: a Study of Ethnic Communities in Thailand

This book investigates how ethnic communities in Northern Thailand perceive problems and benefits of local participation in the tourism planning process. It also explores how inhabitants perceive the general impacts of tourism development. In particular, problems associated with tourism development in terms of its impacts on ethnic communities, as understood by the local residents involved, are identified. One factor suggested by the results is that such impacts are in part a result of both insufficient and ineffective participation of local residents in tourism planning. Conflicts of interest between policymakers and villagers were the most critical concern needing capable institutional governance for sustaining resources in the region. This book also suggests a new ethical framework for future planning of the region.