Abstract:
This dissertation examines the discourse on tourism in Thai travel bloggers writings, utilizing the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis as posited by Norman Fairclough (1992, 1995). The research aims to study 1) the ideological constructs related to tourism that are developed through language use in the texts authored by Thai travel bloggers, and 2) discursive and socio-cultural practices evident within tourism discourse presented by these bloggers. The dataset analyzed comprises 200 pieces of texts. They are taken from written works of 20 Thai travel bloggers, each of whom contributes 10 entries. Findings from the textual dimension of tourism discourse reveal that the linguistic techniques employed to construct these ideas span seven categories: the use of specific lexicon, application of modality, deployment of imperatives, utilization of presuppositions, expressions of cause-and-effect relationships, definitions, and the incorporation of casual language style. Those linguistic techniques constitute three distinct clusters of tourism-related ideological constructs. The first cluster, concerning ideological constructs about tourism, consists of three sub-constructs: (1) defining tourism as a desirable activity, (2) portraying tourism as a "risky investment," and (3) envisioning tourism as a mission to be accomplished. The second cluster concerns representations of travel bloggers, outlining three key images: (1) the blogger as a "friend" to tourists, (2) the blogger as a guide towards accomplishing travel missions, and (3) the blogger as a network builder within tourist communities. The third cluster, which deals with the representation of tourists, presents three predominant images: (1) the tourist as a smart consumer, (2) the tourist as a mission performer, and (3) the tourist as a self-presenter. The examined tourism discourse constructs tourism as a desirable activity, a risky investment, and a mission to be accomplished. Consequently, to accomplish their travel missions, tourists need to follow the advice from travel bloggers, who generate this discourse. This meaning construction subtly promotes the status of these bloggers as influencers and allows them to gain commercial benefits from the discourse. On the other hand, the audience who are persuaded by these bloggers discourse accept these manipulations uncritically. It is important to note that these clusters of ideological constructs are contradictory. In other words, tourism is marked by regulated relaxation, imitable distinctiveness, and limited freedom of options. As a result, travel bloggers become friends in authority. The results of this dissertation, within the scope of discursive practices, indicate that tourism discourse exhibits interdiscursivity, integrating elements of both tourism and business discourses. The principal components of this discursive communication are its ends: the distribution of travel anecdotes and the promotion of products and/or services. These aspects emphasize the dual role of travel bloggers as both creators of user-generated content and conduits for advertising via influencer marketing strategies. In terms of socio-cultural practices, the study identifies significant shifts in the mid-2000s, which are the emergence of low-cost carriers and the change in the media landscape. As a result, travel bloggers evolved into recognized travel influencers. Furthermore, travel bloggers' discourse continues to reflect individualistic mindsets oriented toward alternative tourism, while also embodying hedonistic ideas commonly found in mass tourism trends. These characteristics reflect the consumeristic tendency of contemporary Thai society. The conclusion of this dissertation helps increase the awareness of the role of language when language is used to construct meanings of tourism. These constructed meanings of tourism are contradictory. It can influence tourists understandings and behaviors, which serves the interests of a certain group of people. This awareness can liberate tourists from manipulations conditioned by consumerism, allowing them to travel and live freely.