Abstract:
The purpose of this research is: 1) to study the general data and behavior of Chinese tourists in Thailand; 2) to study the opinions about problems with Thai tourism faced by the Chinese tourists; 3) to study of the impressive or outstanding features of Thai tourism according to the views of the Chinese tourists; 4) to study the impact of the problems on the tourism industry in Thailand and the People’s republic of China. The instruments used in this research are questionnaires. Data was collected from 400 Chinese tourists. For additional data, interview forms were used to collect data from 8 more sample populations. Statistics used for data analysis are frequency distribution, percentages, means, and standard deviation. The differences of the opinions are tested by Chi Square value. Data obtained from interviews is analyzed to reach satisfactory and accurate conclusions. From the research, most Chinese tourists visited Thailand for the first time through tour agencies. They would stay mostly at hotels and guesthouses. Places that Chinese tourists like to visit most are historical attractions and natural sites. The products Chinese tourists prefer to buy are items such as souvenirs and local handicrafts. The source of information from which they learned of tourism in Thailand was mostly their acquaintances, and also from the internet. The problems found are those such as the problems of over-crowding, noisiness, the pollution in Bangkok, traffic-related problems, problems in communicating in Chinese including the tour guides, problems relating to quality of purchased products, inferior quality tours, problems of safety, taste of food and beverages, problems of advertising promoting Thailand to foreigners, an uncomfortable environment in Bangkok, not enough public restrooms, the hot weather, trolleys parked on footpaths or roadsides and scribbling which is often found on the stamped seal of Thai banknotes. The main inspiration of Chinese tourists in visiting Thailand was numerous attraction sites. Most of them decided to come to Thailand again as they were impressed by the historical and natural sites, and they liked to buy Thai goods such as souvenirs and local handicrafts. The problems caused an impact on the reputation of the country, on the relations between countries, on the aspect of investment in the tourism industry and have an impact on the income of the country as well. The research results have been used to develop suggestions for the benefit of Thai tourism both in the improvement in the policies of the government sectors and the operation of private business as well.
