The objective of this study were tourism management theory, Buddhist Tourism Management and Format of Buddhist Tourism Management.The main objective of this study was to apply the Buddhism tenets in managing tourism at the local community by using Salakkhok Village as a case study. The study approach was employed the qualitative research. This included documentary review, non-participatory observation, and in-dept interview of some key informants. Nine informants each representing local villagers, tourists, tour agencies, local tourist services, government agencies, Buddhist monks and academics were interviewed by using structured interview schedule suited their background and expertise. All data were collated, analyzed, and presented in the descriptic format.

             The results revealed that the Salakkhok is a unique village on Koh Chang. Its culture and ways of life are mostly interwovened with Buddhism. Tourism development is relatively new to this part of the island. However, with its strong leadership, modest ways of life, self-reliance, and local participation, the tourism management at the village seems to have a solid foundation for success moving forward to achieve “sustainable tourism development.” This includes environmental conservation, sufficient economics, and social stability, which all of them correspond closely to “Sappaya”, “Phavana 4”, and “Saraneeyatham 6” of the Buddhism tenets.

             The findings led to conclude that the Buddhism principle and tenets are valuable apparatus to propel tourism development and management in the case of local community to achieve the so-called “sustainable tourism” as it demonstrates by this study at Salakkhok Village. The tourism management approach based upon the Buddhism tenets could vary from one village to another depending the geographical and socio-economic differences. Thus the application of the tenets into tourism development must be carefully planned. In addition, local monks should be an integral part in reminding Buddhism tenets to those involved in the tourism management as well.

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