🎥 Watch the full video clip: The story of Ban Pa Kia is another reflection of the power rooted in foundations, built by the community with their own hands.
‘At that time, we thought, who would come to photograph our house? The pots were old, the bowls and plates were old. But when they arrived… they asked, “Do you have any old, black pots?”’
This story from Mr. Manop Boonyuenkul, the village head of Ban Pa Kia, Chiang Mai Province, shows that what villagers see as ‘ordinary’ in their daily lives may be of ‘value’ for visitors who are seeking to discover village life.
The homestay at Ban Pa Kia began with the small idea of two individuals who wanted to share their communities’ simple way of life with outsiders. From the first day, when there was uncertainty about whether anyone would be interested, to today, ‘community-based tourism’ has blossomed into a shared learning space between hosts and visitors.
‘Many tourists are happy just to visit gardens, farms, and to be with the villagers,’ — Bude Boonyienkul (Chief Mother of Ban Pa Kia) said gently.
Small relationships that emerge from exchange, learning, and openness allow the community to see its own value more clearly.
‘We learn from them, and they learn from us.’ — Suwannee Boonyuenkul and Api Oymate, representatives of the new generation of villagers, share the inspiration that drove them to return to community development work and invite younger generations to experience the charm of traditional ways of life.
