Abstract:
The objectives of this research were : 1) gift-giving behavior of Thai people, 2) the differences of situational involvement between buying a product for own use and buying as a gift, 3) the differences in the level of information search between buying a product for own use and buying as a gift, and 4) the differences in influencing factors between buying a product for own use and buying as a gift. The products selected for this study were desserts, clothes, and gift-shop items. Two methodologies were utilized, including 1) in-depth interviews with academics, and 2) focus group discussions, which conducted on six groups of 8 prospects each. It could be concluded from the research that gift-giving of Thai people is important and necessary for the society to; maintain social values, express social relationships, express social status , and reciprocate good deed. As to the level of involvement and the level of information search, for all the products under this study, it could be concluded that consumers pay more attention and search for more information in gift buying situation. The factors affecting decision are also different between buying products for own use and buying as gift. The most important factors in gift buying are good decoration and design. In summary , the level of involvement, information search , and influencing factors in buying products for own use and buying as gift are different depend on how important and necessary the situation is.