Title: The socio-economic impacts of sport tourism development in Buriram : Challenges and opportunities for equitable growth
Author: Miss Wanwanat Phromdecha
Year: 2024
Keywords: Buriram,Sport tourism,equitable growth,Community Participation,Cultural, Identity,inequality
Theme: Innovation for Inclusive Development
Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon
The full thesis available here.
Abstract: This thesis examines the socio-economic impacts and the challenges to equitable growth posed by sport tourism-led development in Buriram Province, Thailand. Over the past decade, Buriram has gained both national and international visibility by branding itself as a sport tourism destination, anchored by infrastructure such as the Chang Arena football stadium and the Buriram International Circuit. However, significant contradictions remain. According to the Thailand People Map (TPMAP), in 2022 Buriram had the highest number of people living in poverty in the northeastern region, totaling 45,356 individuals. Notably, the highest concentration of poverty is found in Mueang District, the same area where major tourism infrastructure is located. Data from the 2022 Poverty and Inequality Report by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) further illustrates this paradox: between 2004 and 2018, Buriram consistently ranked among the top ten provinces with the highest poverty headcount ratio, reaching the fourth highest in the country in 2015. These findings suggest that while sport tourism generates visibility and revenue, its benefits may not be reaching all segments of the population.This study employs a qualitative approach, using thematic analysis of 13 semi-structured interviews with key local stakeholders, including business owners, tourism workers, residents, state officials, and local scholars. The analysis follows Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework and is supported by secondary data from the NESDC, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Buriram City Municipality, as well as tourism development plans and economic reports.The findings identify six major challenges to equitable growth in Buriram. First, economic opportunities remain unevenly distributed, with most tourism revenue captured by large, well-connected businesses or national franchises, while local procurement remains limited. Second, livelihood insecurity and rising social costs highlight a disconnect between development gains and the lived realities of many residents. Third, decision-making is dominated by political elites, limiting transparency and reinforcing narrow benefit distribution. Fourth, community participation is weak, as planning is often top-down with minimal grassroots involvement. Lastly, local cultural identity is marginalized, with superficial inclusion in events but limited representation in official narratives, raising concerns about cultural commodification. In conclusion, although sport tourism has contributed to economic growth and increased visibility for Buriram, the distribution of its benefits remains highly uneven. This study underscores the need for policies that strengthen local capacity, promote inclusive governance, and ensure meaningful cultural representation in the province’s ongoing development strategy