Learning by living in Thailand’s coastal communities

This article was written for Uncover magazine - Meaningful Leisure Experiences. 

Authors: Miklos Banhidi is a professor at the Hungarian University of Sport Science in Budapest, Dr  Chenkan Chuchoet works at Thailand National Sport University, Dr Lee Kwan Meng works at the University of Putra Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, and Marie Young is an associate professor at the University of Western Cape in South Africa.

Observing the main tourist attractions
Tourist arrivals in Thailand reached 35.6 million in 2024, marking a 20.7% increase compared to the previous year. The primary motivation for these tourists was to visit the country’s renowned cultural sites and seaside areas, these destinations are well known for their role in cultural preservation, educational value, and economic benefits.

The group’s objective extended beyond simply seeing historical landmarks - they also aimed to analyse the tourist appeal of these sites. Sightseeing tours in Bangkok and Ayutthaya reaffirmed their popularity. These destinations are supported by modern and traditional transportation options such as tuk-tuks, the lush tropical river landscapes bisecting the cities, and architectural elements that vividly reflect Thailand’s history.

Additional attractions, such as dressing in traditional costumes around the temples to experience the country’s cultural heritage and riding elephants, further enrich the tourist experience. However, the sustainability of these heritage sites is increasingly under pressure. The influx of tourists, fast-food chains, and souvenir shops threaten their authenticity. 

Another significant tourism attraction in Thailand is the floating and train markets, which represent unique cultural phenomena not found elsewhere. Historically, these markets were established in locations that allowed residents convenient access by waterways or rail. While some vendors still offer traditional goods like fried bananas and handmade crafts, mass-produced souvenirs and international food options are becoming more dominant. This shift risks eroding cultural integrity and displacing indigenous traditions. Despite this, observing authentic cultural practices within these markets remains possible. This trend has not yet reached the small village visited by the group, where schoolchildren continue to learn traditional instruments and dances, warmly welcome visitors with flowers, and serve authentic local dishes. However, there are concerns that these traditions may gradually fade as tourism expands into the area.

Measuring the environmental sustainability
The group measured seawater and drinking water purity and monitored soil temperatures to evaluate environmental sustainability. Findings from international studies have raised concerns about rising water pollution levels in coastal areas vital for tourism. The quality of drinking tap water has notably improved following implementing a modern water treatment system that meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards with total dissolved solids (TDS) levels below 500 ppm. Seawater salinity was recorded at 3.02%, slightly below the global average, with similar results in treated tap water.

A local family-run farm exemplified sustainable agriculture. Five years ago, it transitioned to organic practices and used crop rotation and cow manure instead of chemicals. It produces up to six harvests annually, supplying local markets and hotels, and processes surplus into products like chips and pizza. This model integrates traditional farming with sustainable tourism.

Coastal sand temperatures ranged from 29°C to 36°C, with similar readings observed on a sweet potato farm 300 metres inland. This farm, which can yield up to six harvests annually, increasingly relies on irrigation to manage water supply and elevated daytime temperatures. Research indicates that temperatures above 32°C can hinder tuber growth, while optimal conditions are around 24°C. Palm plantations also show promise, as pineapples and coconuts thrive between 20°C and 30°C.

Workshops on physical and spiritual health
The World Health Organization emphasises the importance of spirituality in health. Regarding the role of spirituality in preventing and curing diseases, 55.22% of doctors opined that a spiritual person falls ill less frequently. A large majority (87.39%) also believed that a spiritual person copes better with illness, and 80% thought they recover faster.

The research group considered Buddhist temples a spiritual site, and once, the local abbot was invited to lead a short meditation session. After a brief introduction, participants could try the practice, which was instructive for everyone. However, there was some language barrier, and there was not enough time for a detailed explanation. Still, it was enough to understand the basic meditation techniques used by the monks in their daily lives. 

The programme offered essential insights into Thai massage, which combines elements of folk medicine, acupressure, yoga-like stretches, and deep tissue techniques. The benefits of this practice include enhanced flexibility, improved blood circulation, reduced muscle tension, and support for energy balance and overall wellness. A qualified instructor led the workshop but could only offer limited explanation due to the technical skills required and the need for a solid grasp of human anatomy, muscles, and the nervous system. Furthermore, the instructor encountered challenges in conveying her instructions effectively in English for all participants to comprehend. Participants gained foundational knowledge about the effects and applications of this ancient treatment technique.

Observing sustainable ecotourism models
One of Thailand's best sustainable tourism sectors is ecotourism, which has significant economic, social, and environmental impacts on Thailand. Considering this, the group sought to explore model projects capable of attracting tourists while promoting sustainability. One such initiative visited was a banana and coconut plantation known as the House of Thinker and Maker. Over 15 years, the owner established a thriving agricultural enterprise, distributing crops through an extensive dealer network. Beyond its function as a traditional plantation, the farm has evolved into a visitor centre, offering tourists experiential learning opportunities such as dyeing textiles with banana flower sap, crafting traditional sweets, and making toy boats from palm leaves. This innovative model highlights creative, sustainable applications for banana plants beyond fruit production, thereby contributing to cultural preservation and long-term viability of the plantation.

The purpose of visiting another ecotourism visitor centre was to learn about the project to save the coastal mangrove forests from massive extinction, which was initiated and supported by King Rama IX. The centre, which presents scientific knowledge, offers visitors a walking trail and a water tour to learn about local flora and fauna, which lay their eggs here, ensuring their survival. Mangrove forests provide a sustainable habitat, but lacking such habitats would reduce the ecological balance. The group wondered how the project could be actively connected internationally and why the centre is not better advertised, even among ecotourists.

Conclusion
Overall, the project was very successful, with participants reporting that they learned a lot while also having the opportunity to contribute to local development and collect research materials. The organisers understood that the participants' expectations were primarily focused on tourism experiences, but they were also open to learning more about sustainability issues. A professional study is being prepared to summarise the research results in more detail, which we intend to publish in an international journal. According to the participants, it was an interesting and good programme overall. However, for any learning purposes, it should be more focused. From a learning context, this model of extension education, experiential learning, action learning, and non-formal learning is fun and appealing, especially to young people and learners. The shared experiences also made the learning more exciting and absorbing and enhanced the relationships among group members. They all expressed their wish to get involved in the following projects if similar activities are organised in Thailand again or elsewhere.