In all activities guests are encouraged to participate and join when possible. At the end of the tour guests and hosts feel like they have come to know each other. The visits further provide the economic incentive to continue aspects of traditional lifestyle. This is important as Ban Lorcha’s traditional values and beliefs are under constant pressure. This is partly due to changing pattern of economic activities, growing acceptance of Thai language instruction in schools, and exposure to other religions like Buddhism and Christianity.
Although it is hoped responsible tourism can lift the villagers out of poverty the paradox of development is ever present. How do we preserve and protect the authenticity of the cultures for the tourists’ experience – yet raise the standard of the villagers living without devaluing the tourism product? Ultimately that is a question the villagers of Ban Lorcha will have to answer.