PRIVATE RV (ROOFTOP TENT) CAMPING IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

Abstract

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) with rooftop tent for camping have become popular in Thailand from about 2016 on, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no proper outdoor hospitality parks (OHPs) were available for these campers. This study aimed to investigate RV (rooftop tent) camping focusing on private properties in the context of southern Thailand, because there has been less such camping in this area than in other areas of Thailand. The representatives of 11 private OHPs from 11 provinces, of the totally 14 provinces in southern Thailand, were initially selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected by survey, observation, digital photography, pilot study, and interviews with 11 representatives of the OHP operators. The data were subjected to descriptive analysis and triangulated with other outcomes. It was found that suitable RV (rooftop tent) camping parks varied from small to large in the following order: Songkhla, Phanggna, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Chumporn, Suratthani, Ranong, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phuket provinces. Likewise, the suitable time for camping in the shade (not in direct sunlight) was from 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 a.m.

Keywords

• enjoyment
• outdoor hospitality park (ohp)
• rv
• rooftop tent camping
• southern thailand
• responsibility
• safety