Abstract:
The purposes of this study were to
study the opinions or images developing in
the tourists minds about current tourism
in the lower Northeastern part of Thailand
accordingly to the motto of each province ;
and to explore means of linking the images
to the neighboring countries. The research
area included 6 provinces. The districts were
chosen because of their tourist attractions
and the greatest number of tourists : Pakchong
District of Nakhonratchasima has Khaoyai
National Park, Chaloemphrakiat District of
Buriram has Phanomrung Sanctuary and
Mueangtam Sanctuary, Mueang District of
Surin has Elephant Village and silk weaving
at Thasawang Village, Kantharalak District of
Sisaket has Khao Prawihan Sanctuary and
Mo-Edeang Cliff, KhongChiam District of
Ubonratchatani has Phataem Cliff National
Park, and Thepsathit District of Chaiyaphum
has beautiful Stones National Park and Tung
Krachiew. The researchers found that the
tourists came to visit Buriram, Surin, and
Sisaket because they were interested in
ancient objects and the best point of these
areas was art and culture. The outstanding
point of Nakhonratchasima, Ubonratchatani,
and Chaiyaphum was natural attractions
and environment. The tourists gave points
of view about the second question that the
ancient places and objects or the art and
culture of ancient Khom were distinguished.
They were impressed by the exceptional
hospitality of the people here. The tourists
would like public services from the government
sections. The tourist attractions have clean
restrooms, hygienic restaurants. To link the
tourism images with the neighboring countries,
the government should develop the rout of
tourism about Khom culture, and proposed
the clear strategies and organize tourism
activities continuously.