Synergizing BCG and SEP for Creative Tourism Development: A Case Study of Community-Based Conservation and Well-Being in Ban Pa Khlu, Southern Thailand

This study investigates how the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) can support the development of creative tourism for community-based conservation and well-being in Ban Pa Khlu Community, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Southern Thailand. A participatory mixed-methods case study approach informed by PAR principles was employed. Qualitative data were collected via stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, participatory observation, and community workshops, while quantitative data were obtained from tourist satisfaction surveys during pilot tourism activities. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The findings suggest that integrating SEP principles with BCG concepts provided a basis for community participation and the sustainable utilization of nipa palm resources. Creative tourism activities based on local knowledge and cultural heritage provided opportunities for environmental learning, cultural knowledge sharing, and value-added use of nipa palm resources, while offering potential supplementary livelihood opportunities for the community. The Ban Pa Khlu case illustrates how local natural and cultural resources can be developed into community-based tourism experiences while maintaining a focus on ecological conservation and local cultural values. This study provides an integrated approach for applying SEP and BCG principles in community-based creative tourism development.