The Relationship between Gastronomy and Community Development: a case study of culinary experiences offered in Bang Nampheung Floating Market, Prapadaeng District, Samut Prakarn

Abstract

                 This article examines the role of food experiences in generating development in community tourism initiatives in Thailand by studying Bang Nampheung Floating Market, located in Prapadaeng district, Samut Prakarn. It aims to discern how locals participate in shaping gastronomic experiences in the traditional markets and discuss the impacts of gastronomic offerings on rural development. Comprising a series of field trips to Bang Nampheung Floating Market, this research project interviewed local residents who were responsible for the delivery of culinary experiences in the traditional markets, as well as venue observations. The research findings revealed that local active participation is a key factor enabling food experiences to drive development outcomes. Culinary-related experiences were determined to be the outcomes of residents converting locally available natural and cultural resources, as well as utilizing individual knowledge and skills to create tourism commodities. Thus, the local production and promotion of gastronomic experiences in the traditional markets generated positive improvements within the communities, economically, socially and culturally, whilst it is important to address problems that come out of negative consequences on tourism. The research concludes by suggesting that community-based traditional markets can achieve sustainable development if the connection between the financial gains from tourism and local well-being is sustained in the long term.