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Walailak University has unveiled a new tourism route “Infinity Rich,” which connects eight key attractions in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Centered around Wat Chedi, the route invites spiritual travelers to experience rituals believed to bring good fortune, boost tourism activity, and sustainably distribute income to local communities—with support from the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMUA) Fund.

Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of Walailak University, revealed that from 31 January to 2 February 2025, the university, in collaboration with Wat Chedi (Ai Khai), the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Nakhon Si Thammarat Office, local government bodies, educational institutions, community groups, and the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development, officially launched the tourism route “Sichon Spiritual Trip: Heal Heart, Heal Life and Heal Luck @ Sichon Infinity Rich.” This initiative is part of the research project titled “Management of Cultural Belief-based Capital Around the Ancient Sand Ridge to Elevate the Local Community Economy in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat (Srichon),” supported by PMUA, and has attracted enthusiastic participation from tourists, media, and tourism entrepreneurs alike.



Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit explained that the research team at Walailak University observed that visitors to Wat Chedi primarily come to pay respects, offer prayers, and seek fulfillment. Accordingly, the development of a tourism route that links the cultural capital of Sichon District was designed to resonate with local beliefs and faith—not only within Sichon but also in neighboring districts. This insight led to the creation of the Infinity Rich route, alongside the collaborative development of the Srichon brand, which symbolizes the prosperity, auspiciousness, fulfillment, and progress of the ancient sand ridge in Sichon District. 

The Infinity Rich route consists of eight attractions. It begins at Wat Yang Yai, where visitors pay homage and request blessings for good fortune from Ta Phran Boon, and then proceeds to Wat Silachonkhet, where they venerate the revered giant monk statue, Phor Than Bo Ong Yai. The journey continues to the shrine of Lord Ganesha at Khao Ka, where it is believed that a whispered wish will be granted.

Next, the route leads to Wat Chedi for worshiping Ai Khai, before moving on to the shrine of Phor Muang Thong—renowned for its impressive fortune sticks—and then to the shrine of Pueng Tao Kong Sai Si, also known as Ta Pa Khao Shrine, located in Pak Nam Sichon. Further stops include the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine and, finally, Wat Suchon, where visitors offer prayers to Thao Wessuwan (Phor Ruay). Along the way, numerous food outlets and shops selling local products are available for visitors.

Dr. Siwarit added that the project uses Wat Chedi as the central hub to integrate community products into the Infinity Rich tourism route. The goal is for visitors arriving in Sichon to discover and purchase local goods while learning about the community’s heritage as they travel. This approach is intended to foster a circular economy that boosts local incomes and encourages tourists to explore not only Sichon District but also its surrounding areas.

“We have also developed culturally distinctive products using items that people traditionally bring for blessings—such as broken chicken dolls and remnants of firecracker wicks—to address environmental issues and reduce waste, while moving toward carbon neutrality. These materials are transformed into economic value through products such as “Merit-Building” bricks, bags or keychains made from firecracker wicks, Nora bead jewelry, naturally dyed batik fabrics, and even the art toy Nong Ram Ruay, among others. These innovations extend the cultural capital, belief, and faith associated with Ai Khai at Wat Chedi, enabling users to tap into the energy of success and wealth,” he explained.