Abstract:
The purposes of this independent study are the following: 1) To study the behavior of natural mineral water consumers in Mueang district, Surat Thani Province. 2) To study the relationship between personal behavioral factors of natural mineral water consumers in the same area. The study drew a sample size of 385 participants from the population in Mueang district, Surat Thani Province.
A large amount of the participants in the sample are females aged between 20 and 29, holding a bachelor degree, working in private industry, earning a monthly income from 5,001 to 10,000 baths, and living in a family of at least four.
The main reason for consumers wanting to drink natural mineral water is the need for clean and safe water. The popular brand name among these consumers is the product called Aura. The consumers choose this brand because the product is commonly distributed for sale at local convenience stores and minimarts. The buyers purchase this brand bottled water from a 7¬11 shop and Family Mart once in two to three days apart. In addition, they prefer this brand because of its easy¬to¬consume size bottle of approximately 500¬600 ml. The bottle size allows the consumers to finish up its content when needed in a timely manner. In particular, they are inclined to purchase the product because of its value price. There is an inclination to purchase the same product brand even if the price increases. The consumers of Aura natural mineral water learn about the product from commercial advertisement on television and radio.
The result of hypothesis testing shows that age, educational level, occupation, monthly income, and the number of household members are related to natural mineral water consumption behaviors in Mueang district, Surat Thani Province.
The analysis reveals that 1) age has relationship to the behaviors of natural mineral water consumers in the following aspects: the amount of purchases of natural mineral water; frequency of the purchases; inclination of purchasing based on price fluctuation. 2) Educational level leads to brand recognition, frequency of the purchases, and inclination of purchasing based on price fluctuation. 3) Occupation also has a relationship with brand recognition and location of the stores where the purchase is made and frequency of the purchase. 4) Monthly income influences brand purchasing, the amount of the purchase, frequency of purchase, and supporting market. 5) The number of household members affects purchase quantity. However, the study confirms that gender is not related to natural mineral water consumption.
WALAILAK UNIVERSITY. CENTER FOR LIBRARY RESOURCES AND EDUCATIONAL MEDIA