State of knowledge on inequality in Thai tourist cities

Abstract

This research has three objectives: 1) to investigate the state of knowledge on inequality in Thai tourist cities, 2) to find out the gap
for further research, and 3) to develop research proposals with competent researchers. It employs data analysis of the previous 408 researches in the database of the National Research Council of  Thailand and the Thailand Research Fund together with the consultation and decisions made in the meetings with researchers. The results of the research show that inequality in tourist cities could fall into eight issues: 1) physical conditions and infrastructures, 2) environmental and pollution management, 3) green and environmental conservation area, 4) arts and culture, 5) gender equality, 6) elderly and handicapped people, 7) labor, and 8) income and economic issues. Moreover, the results point out a gap in the previous researches, particularly in three major inequality areas: 1) equality in gender, 2) elderly and handicapped people, and 3) labor. Within these three areas, the focus should be given to four areas of study: 1) planning, 2) evaluation, 3) local participation, and 4) tourism management.