Author(s): Warach Madhyamapurush, Pannanat Saksirikhun, Janjira Muenrew, Niramol Promnil, Numtip Smerchuar, Mohntohn Srisuk, Krisada Tussama
This research aims to assess the impacts of tourism on the economy, environment, social, and cultural aspects of Dokkhamtai District, Phayao Province, Thailand. Data were collected from 400 samples of people living in the Dokkhamtai District area using an Assessment Form on the impacts of tourism on the economy, environment, society, and culture. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: frequency, percentage, and Standard Deviation (S.D.). The results revealed that, across all aspects, the economy, environment, social, and cultural impacts of tourism were at a high level ( =3.92); the highest appeared in the impact of tourism on social and culture aspects ( =4.00), economic aspects ( =3.98), and environmental aspects ( =3.79), respectively. The impact of tourism on the economy, society, and culture in Dokkhamtai District, Phayao Province were affected by higher cost of living. Price controls should be considered within the organizational establishment to regulate the systematic tourism infrastructure. For society and culture, this impact affected people’s relationships in negative ways due to competition in the commercial field. The community should preserve local culture and traditional practices. Moreover, the decreasing safety of tourists should also be a concern. Tourism in this community created detrimental effects on the environment. Suggestions to avoid unnecessary impacts consist of conducting meetings with the community, creating prevention plans for tourists’ safety, studying carrying capacity, and regulating appropriate rules in delivering community’s activities. These guidelines will bring the learning process to the community and create awareness to employ natural resources effectively.