Chinese Readiness of Surat Thani International Airport with Mice City: The Study of Linguistic Landscape

Abstract

            MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conventions and Exhibitions) is the industry that makes more income to Thailand. Foreign languages will be the important factor to become the MICE CITY. Nowadays Chinese is the language that influences and takes important roles in the global society. The objectives of this research are (1) to study Chinese labels using in Surat Thani International Airport (2) to analyze the airport environment for Chinese readiness (3) to search for the way to prepare Chinese with MICE CITY.

                The research revealed that (1) Chinese labels and signs in the International Airport Surat Thani province are not in line with the current social context. (2) Chinese’s ability of the foreign relation officers in Surat Thani International Airport are not effective enough to communicate with Chinese tourists. (3) The government sector should be the main agency to promote Chinese in MICE CITY for the unity and should expand works to all other travel services.