Factors Influencing Chinese Elderly Tourists’ Decision to Engage in Health Tourism in Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) study the push and pull factors influencing the participation of elderly Chinese tourists in health tourism in Thailand; (2) examine the decision-making process regarding health tourism in Thailand among elderly Chinese tourists; and (3) identify the factors affecting their decision to engage in medical tourism in Thailand. This research employed a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire. The sample consisted of 400 elderly Chinese tourists aged 60 years and above. A purposive sampling method was employed, targeting Chinese elderly tourists aged 60 years and above who had engaged in health tourism in Thailand within the past five years. Data were analyzed using frequency, mean, standard deviation, t-test, F-test, and multiple regression analysis. The research results were as follows: 1. The overall push and pull factors were rated at a high level. 2. The overall level of decision to engage in health tourism in Thailand was high. The item with the highest average score showed that respondents were most likely to recommend health tourism in Thailand to others. 3. No significant differences were found in the decision to travel to Thailand for health tourism when grouped by gender, education level, or average monthly income. However, significant differences were observed based on region of residence and preferred type of tourism. 4. Health and physical factors, economic conditions, quality of medical services, and supportive economic policies were found to significantly influence the decision of elderly Chinese tourists to choose Thailand for health tourism.