ATTITUDES OF BANGKOK RESIDENTS TOWARDS THE INFLUXOF MAINLAND CHINESE TOURISTS TO THAILAND, 2013-2015

Abstract

This thesis aims to investigate the diverse attitudes of Bangkok residents towards mainland Chinese tourists as well as examining whether the representation of mainland Chinese tourists' behavior in Thai social media. This study chooses both quantitative research and qualitative research approaches. It is through questionnaires and in-depth interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The Bangkok residents involve in this study reside in five areas which are Huikhwang area; Chinatown area; Suvarnabhumi Airport area; Wat Pho and Erawan shrine. Conclusion of this study show that the perception in social media is a representation of tourist behavior and it can influence the host’s views towards the tourists. The area which the residents hold the most negative attitude towards the Chinese tourists is the Chinatown area (Yaowarat). The result of the questionnaire is more positive than the result of in-depth interview. There is a prevailing negative attitude towards the mainland Chinese tourists among the Bangkok residents; and yet those who rely on tourism for livelihood still maintain a positive attitude with regards to their business relations with these tourists.