Perception of International Tourists Towards Local Vendors’ Communication Skills: A Case Study of the Koh Kred Community in Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

Communicating in English is proved to be a difficult task for local people in many local communities in Thailand including Koh Kred Community in Nonthaburi Province.  This paper reveals how Koh Kred Community’s vendors were assisted to enhance their communication skills in English when interacting with foreign tourists or customers. The main objective of this study was to examine the perceptions of foreign travellers towards the local vendors’ communication skills and printed materials and media in English created to facilitate communication between the vendors and the tourists. Survey questionnaires were collected from 200 foreign tourists visiting the community. Data analyses reveal that the foreign tourists participating in this study were very satisfied with the way the vendors communicated using the printed media while trading their products. It can be concluded that communication techniques, accompanied by effective materials, contribute significantly to successful international communication.