Abstract:
This research is aimed to study quality of Thai ecotourists who come to take
boat rides at Talingchan floating Market and factors affecting quality of ecotourists
under these variables : gender, age, education, occupation, monthly average income
and residence. Types of touring and travel experiences of tourists who have engaged
in environmental and natural resource activities are also explored. This is a survey
research, and the samples were selected from 390 Thai tourists who took boat rides at
Talingchan Floating Market. The method of study employed systematic random
sampling and questionnaires to collect data. This was designed from review of
literature and related researches. The data were analyzed with percentage, mean,
standard deviation, t-test and one-way analysis of variance.
The research found, in general, the quality of Thai ecotourists who took boat
trips at Talingchan Floating Market was high. If compared with independent
variables, this study found the quality of Thai ecotourists differed statistically
significant under two variables, namely gender and experiences in previous
environmental and natural resource activities. However, statistically, the variables
under age, education, occupation, monthly average income, residence and types of
touring were not significantly different at the level 0.05.
Since the experiences of having environmental and natural resource
activities had an impact on the quality of ecotourists, it is recommended that public
and private sectors, related agencies, including Talingchan Floating Market Civil
Society promote more activities in enhancing learning, understanding and
disseminating knowledge on ecotourism. Especially, Talingchan Floating Market
Civil Society should promote participation of local people as well as tourists in
carrying out activities relating to the environment and nature conservation such as
planting trees, garbage management campaign, and canal protection.