The Development of an English Public Relations Guidebook for Community-Based Tourism of Chi Thuan Subdistrict, Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province to Accommodate Foreign Tourists

Abstract

            The objectives of this research were: 1) to explore the background and needs of community-based tourism in Chi Thuan Subdistrict, Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani, in relation to creating public relations media to accommodate foreign tourists, 2) to develop an English public relations guidebook based on Thai to English translation, and 3) to assess the community’s satisfaction with the guidebook. The sample consisted of 40 people involved in community tourism management, selected through the purposive sampling method. Research tools included a survey to gather basic information and English public relations material needs, a translation note, focus group discussion notes for translation experts and native English speakers, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The findings indicated that the existing English public relations media in the community were not conducive to accommodating foreign tourists. Limited English text, particularly in online media and along tourist routes or at tourist spots, resulting in foreign tourists being unable to access information or experiencing inconvenience. The developed English public relations guidebook, verified by native English speakers, is divided into eight categories. Besides listing English translations alongside the Thai originals, the guidebook also provides explanations for translations with interesting or confusing language issues, along with translation strategies and implementation suggestion. The results of the evaluation of satisfaction with the guidebook found that the sample group was overall satisfied at the highest level.