On 5 December 2025, Associate Professor Sakarin Nonthapot, Ph.D., an instructor in the Master of Economics Programme (International Economics and Tourism) at the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, presented his international research at the “49th PARIS International Congress on Science, Social Sciences, Humanities & Management (SSSHM-25)” in Paris, France. His participation reaffirmed the university’s research capabilities in regional economic and tourism development within the Greater Mekong Subregion.
This international academic congress was held from 3–5 December 2025, organised by the Eminent Association of Researchers in Engineering & Technology (EARET) under the Eminent Association of Pioneers (EAP). The event served as a crucial international platform for academics worldwide to exchange knowledge in social sciences, humanities, and management.
Associate Professor Sakarin Nonthapot delivered an oral presentation titled: “The Image of Tourist Attractions on Repeat Visits by Thai and Chinese Tourists along the Laos-China Railway Route.” The core objective of the research was to analyse the factors influencing the intention of Thai and Chinese tourists to return to attractions situated along the new Laos-China high-speed railway corridor.
Research Highlights Environmental and Physical Factors for Repeat Tourism
The study yielded findings with direct implications for sustainable tourism development and destination management. It identified that the factors exerting the most statistically significant positive influence on tourists’ intention to revisit were:
- Environmental Image: The perception of abundance, cleanliness, and sound environmental management at tourist destinations within the Lao PDR.
- Physical Image: The perceived readiness and availability of infrastructure, sophisticated facilities, and the attractive, aesthetically pleasing scenery encountered along the railway route.
Associate Professor Nonthapot noted that presenting these findings at a respected international forum contributes valuable insights for policy formulation, destination branding, and tourism marketing strategies, particularly for public and private sector stakeholders involved in cross-border tourism development in the subregion.
The research was conducted collaboratively with faculty members and researchers from diverse fields, including:
- Assistant Professor Warangkana Thavornwiriya-trakul (Tourism and Services Innovation Programme, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies);
- Dr. Kittimaporn Chuchot (Independent Researcher);
- Mr. Korawich Chaokamud (Master’s Student, International Economics and Tourism Programme, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies).
The Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, remains committed to producing high-quality, practically applicable research that drives regional economic and social development, ensuring the region keeps pace with global changes.
