Reading postcards: Multiple enactments of tourism destinations. The case of Pai, Thailand

Actor-network theory was used to examine the role of postcards in the enactment of tourism destinations by analysing the representational and non-representational readings of 325 postcards offered for sale in shops in Pai, northern Thailand. This paper illustrates how postcards take part in the construction of three versions of the tourism destination, that is, as an ethnic tourism destination, a hub for hippies and international backpackers, and a Thai romantic tourism destination. It also illustrates the multiplicity and different development paths of tourism destinations, and argues that non-representational readings of postcards (as well as other media) can and should be combined with representational readings to provide a full understanding of the construction of tourism destinations

Floating markets in Thailand: same, same, but different

In the last 60 years floating markets in Thailand, traditionally serving as central places for trade and exchange of agricultural products, have disappeared, were displaced or reappeared as tourism destinations. By making use of insights from actor-network theory, this study shows how floating markets in Thailand reorganize people, canals, boats, homes, fruits, vegetables and souvenirs in certain and multiple ways. Our comparison of five floating markets (Damnernsaduak, Thaka, Amphawa, Bang Namphueng and Pattaya) illustrates that floating markets in Thailand differ in terms of actors, buyers and vendors, products and objects, time and space. They sustained over time because they were able to adapt to new circumstances.<br/