Guidelines for promoting fish toe spa treatments, a case study of Wang Pla Ngae tourist attraction, Phrom Lok community, Village No. 1, Phrom Lok Subdistrict, Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study are: (1) The methods of fish toe spa treatments, a case study of Wang Pla Ngae tourist attraction, Phrom Lok community, Village No. 1, Phrom Lok Subdistrict, Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, (2) Problem condition of fish toe spa treatments, a case study of Wang Pla Ngae tourist attraction, Phrom Lok community, Village No. 1, Phrom Lok Subdistrict, Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and (3) Guidelines for promoting fish toe spa treatments, a case study of Wang Pla Ngae tourist attraction, Phrom Lok community, Village No. 1, Phrom Lok Subdistrict, Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The key informants were selected using purposive sampling of 8 individuals, including community leaders, tourists, and local vendors. The research tools used are interviews, and data were analyzed through descriptive analysis. The results of the study reveal that: The methods of fish toe spa treatments: Preparing the area to be spacious, safe, and free from chemicals, ensuring a natural environment for the fish, such as Ngae fish (Pla Ngae), to inhabit. Visitors immerse their feet in the water and wait for the fish to swim over and gently nibble at their feet. Problem condition of fish toe spa treatments: Problem in promoting occupations arise due to competition in trading within the area, which impacts income. Environmental issues also exist from overfeeding the fish, causing water pollution. Additionally, there are management challenges in tourism operations due to an insufficient number of staff and a lack of continuous site development. Guidelines for promoting fish toe spa treatments: Promoting occupations by encouraging more community members to sell their products, establishing community enterprises to boost income and create jobs, while also promoting environmental conservation and enhancing the beauty of tourist attractions. This includes maintaining cleanliness and improving management by increasing the number of staff to ensure proper care and continuous improvement of the tourist destination.