Lack of public transportation and traffic jams are major issues in many tourist destinations. In this study, we present the tourism-related problems of Khon Kaen, Thailand, and provide guidelines to develop its tourism industry. We performed in-depth interviews with 30 tourists, 20 local residents, and 5 government agencies in the Khon Kaen municipality. In addition, we did a small group discussion by inviting 5 tourists, 5 local residents, 5 government agencies, and 3 academicians to discuss ways to improve tourist transportation in Khon Kaen. From the study, we found that Khon Kaen lacks public transportation. We also found that, although the city can be reached by air, the current flight options are not enough to meet the needs of passengers; furthermore, the city's rail transportation needs to be developed, and there is no municipal bus service around the city or between the city and the airport. To develop transportation guidelines for the tourism industry, local governments, especially in the Khon Kaen municipality, should host an initiative and bring all stakeholders together to solve the problem. In addition, a city bus system needs to be developed immediately, and a public transportation network that links to tourist attractions is also important because it is difficult for tourists to access attractions if they do not have private transportation. Finally, public facilities such as toilets, as well as walkways for disabled people and elderly, also need to be developed, but with environmentally sustainable designs.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in tourism development in the city of Khon Kaen, Thailand. We performed in-depth interviews with 21 key participants, and we conducted a focus group by inviting eight participants to discuss the potential strengths and weaknesses in tourism development in Khon Kaen. We then performed a SWOT analysis and content analysis to analyze the data. As a result, we determined that problems and threats that affect tourism development in Khon Kaen require attention because tourism could generate a large amount of income. Because Khon Kaen has many opportunities and strengths that should attract tourists, local government agencies should position notice signs concerning conservation at tourism attractions and promote awareness of recycling among residents. Agencies need to provide education on the value of recycling and encourage reusing recyclable materials. In addition, this research will aid the local government in understanding how to develop a province-wide strategic plan and provide guidance to policymakers on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of tourism in cities that are similar Khon Kaen.

The objectives of this research were to study the policy guidelines for tourism development in the city of Khon Kaen and the satisfaction of tourists who travel there. We have utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods for our study. Quantitatively, we provided 400 questionnaires to travelers and analyzed the subsequent data through mean and standard deviations. Qualitatively, we conducted focus groups and analyzed the data via descriptive analysis. The results of this study indicate that Khon Kaen lacks public transportation and thereby experiences numerous traffic jams. The results also show that the Khon Kaen museum is old and largely undeveloped and tourism-related activities are effectively nonexistent in the city. Local government is the main factor in the development of tourism in Khon Kaen, and it can work to renovate the museum with cooperation from the central government, set up Khon Kaen as a center for MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) business, and renovate the landscape, the city park, and the environment of the city. In addition, casinos and legal gaming need to be developed. However, it is very difficult to discuss this possibility because many people debate the need for such measures, and more time is required to resolve this issue.