Floating Market in Thailand: Policy, Factors, Component and Model

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study policy, factors, components, and model of floating market tourism management in Thailand. This research was qualitative research carried out by studying the content of floating market tourism in Thailand and conducting In-depth interviews with the community personnel, stakeholders, and other related organizations with floating market tourism management in Thailand. From the research, following policies on tourism were found 1) restoring the relations and cooperation with neighboring countries to boost the Thai Market to be the main gateway of tourism in the region, 2) applying proactive marketing strategies in tourism management by arranging different activities for tourists both domestic and international levels, 3) hastening the development, restoration of heritage, and cultural assets in both urban and city areas, 4) broadening the variety of tourism in various forms, and 5) increasing the convenience measures, creating public safety, and preventing exploitation of tourists. There were 2 factors influencing tourism, namely internal factors such as tourism resources and external factors such as the world economy, political conditions, tourism favor, expanding transportation routes, and exchanging political policies. The components of the potential tourists’ attractions were 3As, namely 1) attraction – site and events, 2) amenities, and 3) accessibility – transportation. Tourism management models of the floating market are as follows: 1) activities in the sense of natural floating market, 2) activities in the sense of seasonal tourism, 3) activities in the sense of nature conservation learning center, and 4) activities in the sense of in-depth nature conservation tourism.