Abstract:
The purposes of this research were to find factors affecting decision making of the international backpacker tourist toward tourism in Thailand. The subjects in this study were 400 international backpacker tourists. The research was conducted in 4 areas: Bangkok, Cholburi Province (SAR Pattaya), Chiang Mai Province and Phuket Province. The questionaires were used to collect data. Percentages (%), means (x-bar) and standard deveation (S.D.) were employed to analyze the demographic profiles and behavior of international backpacker tourist and factors affecting tourism decision making of international backpacker tourists. In addition, t-test was used to analyze the factors affecting decision making of international backpacker tourists classified by gender. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also employed to analyze the factors classified by location of country, age, level of education, annual income, marital status and occupation. If the results were significantly different at the .05 level then scheffe's method would then be employed. The respondents were male and female closely, ages 21-30 years old, various educational backgrounds, average annual income with 3000 US Dollars and above, various marital status, and various occupations. The majority came from Europe. In term of tourism behavior, it was found out that the majority travelled to Thailand for the first time, with the holiday purpose fo 2 weeks. Travel information acquired through internet surfing from various travel websites. In addition, various websites were also used to book hotel and rental cars. Their expenditures ranged from 501 US Dollars or more for each trip. The cultural and natural attractions were their destinations. Furthermore, they tended to purchase tourism packages and activities from travel agencies. It was also found that the majority had intention to return to Thailand for tourism purpose. The overall factors affecting decision making of the international backpacker tourists travelling in Thailand were found to be at high level as follow: tourism experience and attitude ([x-bar] = 4.10), tourism preparation ([x-bar] = 3.91), tourism motives ([x-bar] = 3.86), tourism needs ([x-bar] = 3.79), tourism expenditure ([x-bar] = 3.78), and tourism travelling ([x-bar] = 3.65). However, tourist's decision making in term of various sale promotions was found to be least affecting their overall decision making to travel to Thailand ([x-bar] = 3.61). In comparison of factors affecting decision making of international backpacker tourists classified by location of country, age, education level, annual income and occupation were found to be significant differences at statistical .05 level.