Perception of International tourists on Road Safety in Phuket

Abstract

The study presents the findings of the present perception on road safety in Phuket. The objectives of this study were to examine the perception of international tourists and to investigate the relationship between the demographic variables and tourist behaviour related to road safety and driving. Questionnaires were used to collect the data from international tourists at Phuket International Airport. The questionnaires were given to 400 tourists who travelled to Phuket. The questionnaires were open-ended and structured questions. The results showed that there were no significant differences between males and females in terms of the perception of road safety. In terms of age, tourists aged over 60 years old had the highest perception about wearing a helmet and seatbelt while driving to be important. Furthermore, well-educated participants had a higher acknowledgement on road safety than others. In addition, it was found that participants with a high income were also concerned on enforcing the speed limit and using public transportation in Phuket. Based on the findings, this shows that understanding the tourists' perceptions and concerns are important, as it would help develop the tourism management, especially in Thailand. To summarise, the study of tourists' perceptions on road safety in Phuket can serve as a benchmark for future studies as well as provide some information to facilitate better planning and management in the future, both in Phuket and all over Thailand.