ACCESSIBILITY BARRIERS IN THE SECOND-TIER TOURISM CITIES OF THAILAND FOR PEOPLE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

This research in tourism of people with visual impairments who travel regularly in the Second-Tier Tourism Cities of Thailand used purposive sampling to study 1) behavior; 2) accessibility barriers; and 3) attraction factors. Interviews with 8 people and questionnaires with 40 people. The results found that different behavior, but similarity of vision levels had similarities results in opinions and problems. The highest score is attraction (= 4.60), followed by accessibility (= 4.50), accommodation (= 4.48), activity (= 4.48), and amenities (= 4.41). Opinions differed between groups at a statistically significant level of .05 in 4 questions. The public transportation system in Thailand especially in the second-tier cities is still unable to meet the needs of the visually impaired. They are lacking suitable and accommodating facilities. There is also lack of facilities for the disabled at the tourist attraction, especially, in the second-tier cities in Thailand.