A comparative analysis of thailand residents\u27 perception of tourism\u27s impacts

This study examines Thai residents\u27 perception of tourism\u27s impacts on their communities. Two destination groups in Southern Thailand representing domestic and international tourist destinations were chosen to explore the similarities and differences in their residents\u27 perception of tourism and its development. The results revealed that the majority of respondents were female, 18 to 34 years of age, single, and born in the surveyed area. Thai respondents perceived preservation and encouragement of local culture, an increase in investment, and an increase in local government\u27s revenues as the top three impacts of tourism. Residents who resided in domestic tourist destinations differed from those who lived in international tourist destinations in regard to environmental, economic, and social factors. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC