RDI,NPU Joins Hands with Krung Thai Bank to Foster Participatory Processes and Identify Research Challenges for Driving Tourism and Grassroots Economic Development in Four Communities

RDI,NPU Joins Hands with Krung Thai Bank to Foster Participatory Processes and Identify Research Challenges for Driving Tourism and Grassroots Economic Development in Four Communities

Nakhon Phanom University Research and Development Institute Joins Hands with Krung Thai Bank to Foster Participatory Processes and Identify Research Challenges for Driving Tourism and Grassroots Economic Development in Four Communities

On 8–9 April 2026, the Research and Development Institute of Nakhon Phanom University, led by Dr. Jitsopin Pichetladarom, Deputy Director for Academic Services and International Affairs, together with the working team, conducted an integrated collaborative activity to identify local development challenges in four target communities: Na Chok Subdistrict, Tha Kho Subdistrict, At Samat Subdistrict, and Na Thon Subdistrict. The initiative was carried out in partnership with Krung Thai Bank to create channels for public consultation and promote participatory processes among higher education institutions, the private sector, and local residents. The objective was to jointly determine development directions that genuinely respond to community needs.

This field activity was organized in the form of a “Community Asset Mapping and Workshop”, which received strong cooperation from community leaders and local residents. Participants shared in-depth information regarding cultural heritage, local identity, and social capital, leading to a collaborative brainstorming process to identify solutions and development approaches for their communities. Key findings from each area are summarized as follows:

  • Na Chok Subdistrict and At Samat Subdistrict: Community members expressed the need to develop and enhance cultural tourism routes while promoting distinctive local cuisine as a key attraction for visitors.
  • Na Thon Subdistrict and Tha Kho Subdistrict: Communities shared a common interest in developing connected tourism routes and establishing standardized homestay tourism management systems to generate sustainable income for the grassroots economy.

The Research and Development Institute of Nakhon Phanom University and Krung Thai Bank will utilize the outcomes and community needs identified through this participatory process to formulate an Action Plan for future implementation. Krung Thai Bank will provide support through livelihood assistance and community development initiatives under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Meanwhile, the Research and Development Institute will invite university faculty members and researchers to submit project proposals or research topics that directly address local needs and challenges.

One target area with the highest level of readiness will be selected in the 2026 fiscal year to receive integrated support funding from Krung Thai Bank. This support will be used to drive the implementation of a tangible pilot model for collaborative area-based development.