Abstract:
The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to study the demographic characteristics, spa-going behaviors of Thai customers of day spas in Phuket; the native of service sought by them and the marketing strategies of day spas entrepreneurs in Phuket. Data was collected by self-administrated questionnaires 335 Thai customers, participant observation in 3 day spas, by non-participant observation in 18 day spas and by interviewing with 16 day spas entrepreneurs or managers in Phuket during March 2006. Results revealed that the Thai customers in day spas in Phuket were woman 63.0% more than man 37.0% Most of them were in young generation (20-39 years old 75.8%), bachelor degree 49.3%, self employed in business or professional career 42.7%, low or middle income (less than 10,000-20,000 Baht, 53.2%), permanent residence in Phuket 64.8% and going to day spa for relief the stress 89.9%. They demanded steam and sauna rather than massage or body treatment; a natural rather than luxury atmosphere; cleanliness and spa staffs who know their job well. The gender, educational and income status correlated with their demand. Thus, men demanded Thai massage rather than women. The study found that day spa entrepreneurs in Phuket tried to design the marketing strategies to fulfill the Thai customer demands; such as products segmentations, discriminatory pricing, and location selection. The day spas in Phuket were facing declined demand, over supply, shortage manpower. They try to solve problem by reducing cost; by increasing the new customers, especially Thai and by diversification their business. These findings suggest that day spa entrepreneurs in Phuket should study the Thai customer demand more, and design the marketing strategies suitably. They should unite to be a stronger benefit group to solve their problems. The government should have law enforcement strictly. The education academics in Phuket should have their role to develop spa manpower