Porpeang Bungalow (in progress)

 

Background

Based on our observations, a normal trend of tourism in popular Thai islands seems to have a pattern. This rather unhealthy pattern processes in the following order:

      1. The island opened itself to the public.
      2. The travelers call it "the new secret paradise".
      3. Number of tourists increase tremendously in the beginning 10 to 15 years.

      4. After 30 years, the island is known instead as:

        • The island with too many tourists.
        • The island with destroyed nature.
        • The island with destroyed local culture.

In our opinion, the two biggest Thai islands are currently on the last phase of this pattern. To investigate this pattern more effectively, we decide to categorize the pattern base on the types of travelers who visit the islands. The four types are:

  • Local travelers
  • Hippies
  • Backpackers
  • The jet-setters

 

Model 1, shows a marketing life cycle of Thai islands when concerning the 4 different types of travelers. Furthermore, to demonstrate a clearer picture, Table 1 was made to shows an example case of Koh Jai. This is an imaginary island based on our observations of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan (Surathani, Thailand).

 

Problems

 

The self-destructive characteristics of Thai islands tourism consist of various problems. In our opinion, the main problems are:

  1. The idea of using island tourism only for the sake of prosperity and an excessive lifestyle.  
  2. The Island’s resources are utilized in an unsustainable way. 
  3. The local culture is changed and westernized in order to satisfy the tourist.  
  4. The lack of special development and marketing plans.  

 

Goals

    Base on the problems stated above, we believe that Thailand needs new solutions and guidelines in order to deal with such unhealthy tourism pattern. Therefore, we decide to start the project "Porpeang Bungalow". The project has following goals:       

      1. To create "Porpeang Bungalow" resort base on a more sufficient way of traveling and living

      2. To create "Porpeang Bungalow" resort in such environmental friendly and sustainable ways

      3. To promote local Thai culture as well as to create a multicultural atmosphere.   

      4. To develop a new business model. In which, it shall be strong enough to maintain the business and yet cultural-aware enought to maintain a lay back islands vibe.

      5. To contribute "Porpeang Bungalow" project, the new business model as well as other artefacts as example ways to confront a self-destructive Thai islands' tourism pattern.   

     

    Principles

      • Sufficiency Economy
      • Post-colonial Theory
      • Sustainable development

    Work Breakdown Structure

    The way we are planning to implement this project can be seen on the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) below. (please click on the image to enlarge!)

    Table 1: Koh Jai-an imagninary case (click for more info!)
    Figure 1: Thai Islands Marketing life cycle

    Figure 2: WBS of Porpeang Bungalow project (click to enlarge)

        

          Milestones

          2009-01-15:   Start searching for the island (Andaman coast)!

             2009-04-15:   The island, before hippie-state, shall be found.   

             2009-05-15:   The land shall be bought. (seaside with clear blue/ green water, 1600-3200 m2)

             2009-09-15:    Baan Porpeang, the first bungalow, shall be built for staffs.( hip, sufficient, Thai and multi-culti)

             2010-12-01:    Porpeang Bungalows can offer 7 bungalows, a restaurant and a small but yet cool bar.   

         

          Status

     

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