Cognitive Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Cognitive Psychology - Essay Example The crux of this interpretation of science, particularly the development of hypotheses about and models of hypothetical generative mechanisms of cognition is that, although unobserved by investigators, such mechanisms are necessary for the production of the observed phenomena (Fodor & Pylyshyn, 1988, 3-71). To find out the logical basis of these hypotheses about unobserved generative mechanisms, scientists have taken the help of the physical sciences. In physical sciences, the hypotheses are not the result of blind guesswork or the unfettered imagination. They are created by the invention of models or hypothetical representations of what such mechanisms may plausibly be in reality. The invention of adequate and plausible models is constrained by the requirement that the nature of what is proposed should conform to the basic type hierarchy that expresses the beliefs people have about the nature of the world. Hypotheses about cognition can be evaluated only by testing their predictions regarding the effects of various environmental manipulations on behaviour (McCloskey, 1991, 387-395). These theoretical entities are said to provide a functional characterization of the central nervous system. This is built on the assumption that the same cognitive process could be implemented or instantiat ed in a variety of different neuroanatomical structures or neurophysiological processes. In other words, this characterization of cognition is materialist, but it does not assume a simple one-to-one mapping between cognitive and neural states and processes. Thus the definition of the cognitive processes can further be modified into a process... There is a startling similarity with present day computational models where this has been a natural mode of computation for widely interconnected computer networks of active elements. The generalization of these ideas to the connectionist view of the brain and behavior is that all important encodings in the brain are represented in terms of relative strengths in the synaptic connections. Connectionism can explain this by assuming that individual neurons do not transmit a large amount of symbolic or representative information, instead, they compete by being appropriately connected to a large number of similar units, and the prevalent and conventional computer model fails to incorporate this in the present understanding of cognitive psychology. Conclusion: However, this realization is important in that connectionist theories of cognitive psychology may with adequate research come out with a newer, modified, and more sophisticated model that explains all or the computer scientist may cr eate a developed computer that can have a cognitive psychology of its own. There are, however, certain troubling questions that need to be answered before one venture into this area. Human cognition involves the management of meaningful signs according to standards of correctness. In developing a computer model according to connectionist theory, there is the probability that one might lose the two main features of human cognition, intentionality, the meaningfulness of signs, and normativity, conformity to standards.

Cigarettes and Smokers Regarding The Economy Essay

Cigarettes and Smokers Regarding The Economy - Essay Example Cigarettes taxes are most effective in reducing consumption of the young population or more precisely children and teenagers who get pocket money and are not financially independent (Chaloupka). People who try cigarettes for thrill will be put off greatly by a significant amount of sales tax. But for hard-core consumers of cigarettes, quitting is not easy at all as they experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit. They will be willing to forgo their consumption of other products but cigarette. Foregoing the consumption of other products does not curb the need for them. Therefore, hard-core smokers tend to resort to shop lifting because after spending on cigarettes they are left with very less money. The sellers of other products will incur losses because hardcore smokers are willing to sacrifice products like biscuits, sweets, chocolates or magazines for cigarettes. Sometimes when the government announces a rise in sales tax on cigarettes, it takes time for the tax to come int o effect. In the mean while smokers buy cigarettes in bulk so that they do not have to pay the higher price for a packet of cigarettes. So this bulk buying should be taken into account before the government imposes sales tax. Some economists are of the view that a sales tax on cigarette will be more effective in the long run than in the short run because smokers readily adjust to price in the short run. If the price is permanently increased from let’s say $2.5 to $5.0 for a packet of cigarettes then the long run impact will be double the short run one and a lot of people will be able to overcome the habit altogether. Imposing a sales tax on cigarettes is just not enough. The revenue generated from sales tax should be invested in Health Programs dedicated to discouraging smoking. Also filtered cigarettes should be taxed less than the unfiltered ones. However the difference in the tax rates for the two should not be very large. Besides this taxation policy, there should be a ban on cigarette advertising and it should be made mandatory that the hazards of smoking be mentioned on a packet of cigarettes. With no advertising, the attractive packaging also lures consumers. The government should come up with a generic packaging design that is less appealing to consumers. It should be obligatory on retailers to sell cigarettes to people who have attained the age of majority (18 years old). Government sponsored campus drives at different schools and universities should be held in which lectures on negative effects of smoking should be conducted. Student volunteers can also be hired by the government to spr ead awareness. There should be tariffs imposed on the cheap cigarettes imported from other countries. Sales taxation alone cannot deter consumers from smoking. Like other economic policies, taxation should be carried out with above mentioned measures to ensure good health of all.

Healthcare Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Healthcare Management - Essay Example sponse to the impacts of the recession in that it targeted on saving and mobilizing creation of jobs in all sectors while also providing temporary assistance to people directly affected by the recession. Through the Act, people invested heavily in the healthcare sector thereby creating jobs and consequently leading to an improvement in the industry. The Act also compelled the Federal government to spend directly in the healthcare sector among several critical others such as education and energy. This is an award that was set up by the Congress in an attempt to raise awareness about the need for US companies to focus on quality management. The award is thus given to the companies that have observed and successfully implemented these quality management terms and systems. The awards are given to companies in several industries, among them being the healthcare sector. The award system has particularly been influential in facilitating improvement in the healthcare industry with notable areas of improvement being seen in the leadership, customer focus and human resource management and development. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made a ruling on the implementation of this program which is the last Medicare pay-for-performance initiatives. Through this program, hospitals which perform poorly in reducing conditions and complications that patients acquire while undergoing treatment (secondary diagnosis), will have their inpatient payments funded by Medicare reduced. This ruling is meant to send a word of caution to hospitals on the need to improve their services and consequently lead to improved healthcare. It is expected that about 80 million Americans will be retiring within the next 20 years, which means that demand for primary care and other healthcare workforce will shoot drastically. This is, therefore, expected to prompt a demand for healthcare related employment opportunities thereby attracting more enrollment in education programs such as

Watching debate video and answer the questions Movie Review

Watching debate video and answer the questions - Movie Review Example In the wake of this, strategy needs to be devised. Be it spying, or preventive measure or any other scheme manifested towards protecting the citizens and the cities makes up for quite a valid point from the debate. The possible misuse of the authority, the too much infiltration of the security agencies into the private lives and activities is a fact and possible fear that makes up for the point of disagreement. Liberty Security, technology and democracy are few of the factors that are stressed for and possibly feared of being violated in the spying process. The overall debate allowed knowing the level of threats faced by the United States of America and the level of work and research invested into the process of spying in order to prevent any mishap and event from happening. The integrated presence and participation of the American top corridors decision makers is another revealing fact with regard to the spying process and grants being granted

Illegally evidence Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Illegally evidence - Case Study Example Within this framework consideration will be given of the factors that judges have taken into account when deciding whether or not to exclude such evidence. This will involve looking at policy issues in relation to the use of illegally obtained evidence in order to reach a conclusion as to whether in general terms the courts will opt to include or exclude such evidence. In reaching a decision as to the uniformity of the application of this discretion consideration will be given to whether changes that have occurred with regard to the rights of the suspect under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 have impacted on the admissibility of such evidence. Although there have been many changes in the law with regard to the use of evidence that has been illegally obtained many judges still use the case of R v Sang [1980]1 as a yardstick by which to measure whether evidence such be excluded. In this case Lord Diplock commented that "(1) A trial judge in a criminal trial has always a discretion to refuse to admit evidence if in his opinion its prejudicial effect outweighs its probative value. (2) Save with regard to admissions and confessions and generally with regard to evidence obtained from the accused after commission of the offence, he has no discretion to refuse to admit relevant admissible evidence on the ground that it was obtained by improper or unfair means."(at p 437) In this case In this case the court following the comments made by Lord Diplock concluded that the judge would have no power to exclude the evidence on the basis that it had been obtained through the use of an agent provocateur2. In many ways the decision whether or not to exclude illegally obtained evidence seems to centre on fairness. Sang remains as an authority of the rules on the exclusion of evidence as was demonstrated in the case of R v Nadir [1993]3 where Lord Taylor CJ said that if a judge "considers evidence the Crown wish to lead would have an adverse effect on the fairness of the trial, he can exclude it under s 78 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984....He also has a general discretion to exclude evidence which was preserved by s.82(3) of the 1984 Act which would allow the judge to exclude evidence he considers more prejudicial than probative." In the later case of R v Khan [1994] 4 All ER 4264, Lord Taylor seemed to change his opinion of the use of Sang as an authority stating that "Since, on any view, the discretion conferred on the judge by s 78 is at least as wide as that identified in R v Sang it is only necessary to consider the question of the exercise of discretion under s 78 - which is what the judge did." In general terms although the judge has the discretion to be able to rule the evidence as inadmissible it is more common for the courts to allow the evidence to be adduced. Many judges are of the opinion that the effect of s78 does not make very much difference to the cases brought before the court as most judges seem to decide in favour of inclusion rather then exclusion of such evidence as was the case of R v Mason [1987]5 and in the subsequent case of R v Samuel [1988]6. Mason was later quashed on appeal when it was discovered that the only real evidence against the defendant was the confession and that this had been obtained by telling the defendant that his fingerprints had been found

How Is Science Combating Food Shortages in Africa Essay Example for Free

How Is Science Combating Food Shortages in Africa Essay Africa has been fighting a constant battle against starvation for decades. What with an uncontrollably growing population and harsh dry climate, its no wonder that not only Africa, but the world could be in for a big crisis: the lack of food. With over 7 billion people in this world to feed, one billion in Africa, its a wonder that our planet can support this mass population, and the situation is going to get much worse unless there is a solution as to how the shortage of food can be fixed. Since the 1970’s, scientists have experimented with Genetically Modified foods (GM foods). That means that they’ve changed the organisms, and the DNA, in order to enhance some aspects of the food or fix any possible faults. So far, GM organisms have proved to increase food production, which is a relevant and effective solution. This solution has indeed raised arguments, creating economical, ethical and societal implications. Genetically modified foods could be the solution to save Africa from the endless starvation and malnourishment. It offers something completely new; it is a biotechnical solution that is different to any other option considered to aid those suffering from the lack of food in Africa. GM crops grow faster, produce much more, need less time and less labor. It would be a permanent solution. Unlike transferring food across the oceans in order to give aid, GM foods would be able to be produced in the countries that actually will need and use them, instead of relying on other wealthier nations to bring it to them. This would also teach these less developed countries how to manage on their own, and not being supported or aided by the more economically developed countries. Even more positive aspects of this solution are, that these GM crops have longer shelf-life, meaning that they do not have to be consumed immediately, but they can be stored for longer. Furthermore; they don’t require as many natural resources and materials as normal crops, which is good cause Africa itself doesn’t offer that many, which is one of the reasons as to why it’s in the situation that it is in right now. This would give an exceptional amount of aid and hope to the people of Africa as it would fix one major issue that has been developing throughout the years, and help them defeat other problems that their nations are facing. However, there are always downsides to these new inventions. Firstly, GM foods haven’t been in the know for long enough to know if they have any side affects that humans should be concerned of. Many people resist the idea of genetical modification because of this uncertainty. The foods and crops could always trigger allergic reactions, which might be fatal in nations that offer poor medical aid, or any health impacts for humans and even animals. However, the certainty that these problems exist is only an assumption. For as far we know, there might be no bad consequences or effects that GMO’s might bring. Another issue is how this will work in the nations of Africa. The leaders of the nations might decide that this is an uncertain and doubtful solution, that might only bring harm to their countries. Or some nations might fear change, even if it could help the starvation issues that they’re struggling with. The only thing that the developed nations could do in this case, would be to try and negotiate as to how this solution can help them, not only temporarily but in the long run as well. Also, it will be a very cheap solution, which will be a major attraction to many nation as their economical situations aren’t that great. Furthermore, the annual cost of individuals having to purchase the genetically modified seeds will be an issue, as the continent is generally very poor. The effect of growing and consuming genetically modified crops is still unknown, however many possible and realistic assumptions have been made. A possible dilemma is the harm that these organisms could cause to other organisms in the nature. For an example, the mortality rate of monarch butterfly caterpillars has gone up recently, due to the wind blowing pollen from genetically modified B.t corn to milkweed plants, that the caterpillars consume. A nature study was held in order to find out whether this was true or not, and the results were in fact pointing towards the pollen being the cause of death. There are also countless other victims of genetic engineering, however they cannot be prevented as the toxins that kill the pests are also harmful to other insects. Unfortunately, in order to grow healthy crops without a financial loss, the use of these B.t toxins is essential. Another issue that could arise from this is cross-breeding of these herbicide tolerant crops and the weeds themselves, resulting in a ‘superweed’ that would be immune to these toxins. That could cause in mass destruction of crops and a great financial loss to the farmers, as well as an unnatural new specie. An issue that could arise within the use of GM crops is the strain on the economies of the nations using them. It would be quite expensive to transport the GM foods across the globe, and it would also take some time. Also, the cost of these seeds can be expected to rise due to the technology used to create them. A more developed country and farm could possibly afford the annual cost of these crops, however a less economically developed country cannot. A solution for this problem could be funding the production and research of GM foods. An example of such a funder is the Rockefeller Foundation, who has founded the research and production of genetically modified rice. GM rice would be a very costly process but with the help of funders and other wealthy companies the cost of expense can be reduced. Since the population of already 7 billion is estimated to almost double in the upcoming 50 years, the worlds biggest dilemma at the moment is to find a solution as to how to feed all these people and how our natural resources won’t be all used up. GM crops is one of the many solutions thought to solve this problem, however, like the rest of them, it comes with many different positive and negative aspects. Furthermore, since it is such a new invention, and not a lot of research has been done yet, the effects and consequences are unknown. If the massive population growth could be stalled for a few decades, say by introducing a one-child-policy, then the development of solutions such as GM crops could be completed meanwhile. This would be a really effective way to provide food aid to the peoples of the world, especially Africa, in order to defeat hunger and starvation, and it would also slow down the growth of the population, maybe even declining it.

Thailands Tourism Industry In The Globalization Era Tourism Essay

Thailands Tourism Industry In The Globalization Era Tourism Essay CHAPTER 1 At present, that the world is in the globalization era which causes more aggressive competition on businesses in several regions. This explain more about concepts of various countries in the free world or capitalistic world where there is the centre in the western countries those focus on development. As countries use developmental strategies to maintain economic, political, and military power and influence of the capitalistic world (Hongthongkham, 1976). Tourism today has become an industry that is now crucial to the world economy, it is now a widely held view that in almost every country tourism has grown, and has become a core product in the international trade of those counties. Tourism now rates between 1-3 out of the top 10 key industries globally this industry is now vital to economic prosperity (http://thai.tourismthailand.org/about-thailand/economy/, 2010). Thailand has a significant tourism industry which has the potential, with Government policies and assistance, to be developed much more this growth for Thailand provides an excellent source of foreign currencies. Since ancient times mankind has explored and travelled and now with modern technologies especially in transportation and communication, and an increasingly mobile world population there can be almost limitless growth. This growth has changed the way business is being done, from clusters of techniques to a more specialized planning organization. With market integration now called tourism industry is now a very important factor in the economies of many countries today (Nuntajak, 2010). The tourism industry of Thailand has change dramatically and is now a major industry in world tourism. Over the past decade, international tourist arrivals in Thailand have grown faster over the past 10 years, from 8.58 million in 1999 to 14.09 million arrivals in 2009 by the Tourist Authority of Thailand or TAT (2010). Thailand has been gaining an increasing market share of international tourists. During that period, the tourism industry has been one of the great significant sectors for economic growth and each year there were each tourists spending money, at least 3,000.00 baht per person per day when tourists come to Thailand (TAT 2009). For Thailand, the number of international tourists are increasing every year, a number of factors are responsible for tourism growth and development of the tourism industry in Thailand over other destinations, Owing to the friendly, welcoming, and peace loving nature of the Thai people. There are many reasons why Thailand appeals to wealthy tourists of foreign and different cultural destinations who have travelled to Thailand, to enjoy a unique and fulfilling experience. An important part of the Thailands tourism industry success is because of the physical geographic diversity of Thailand (TAT 2010). Due to Phuket, a part of Thailand, is another world class destination. This place is serenely beautiful and is well known for the beaches and the blue seas and also one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. There are many activities available around Phuket such as, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, fishing, surfing beach, jet skis and the place for honeymooners. Generally Speaking, international tourists are focusing not only on the product, but also on the people who work for the hospitality and the tourism industry can give the right information to tourists. Therefore, there are many international tourists increasing arrivals to Phuket. According to the statistical reports by Department of Tourism (2006), the number of international tourists arrivals in Phuket was 1.2 million in 2008 and 1.1 million in 2009 and is now a significant share in the Thai market. The statistics showed the number of international tourists that generate revenue, prosperity to the local and more importantly to create a multi-professional occupations, such as interpreter, translator, waitresses, airline officers, including tourist guides who close with international tourists all through the time they are stay in Thailand (tourism.go.th, 2010). Moreover, tourist guides are the personnel group having roles in encouraging and supporting tourism. They are the cultural diplomat because they tell tourists about various stories on society, tradition, cultural arts, economy, and politics (Ritthirak, 2002). Therefore, tourist guides are a career which creates a lot of benefits to the country. But in fact, 22, 732 tourist guides apply for the tourist guide licenses from Tourist Guide and Tourism Business Registration Office on December 31, 2001. A tourist guide may have ability to use more than 1 language (Ritthirak, 2002). Before applying for the tourist guide licenses, those tourist guides have to pass the quality creating process in order to have knowledge, ability, moral, and code of conduct. In practice, Tourism Authority of Thailand coordinates and provides Tourist Guide Training Standard Curriculum for implementation of educational institutes in the university level all over the country. The standard curriculum contains basic knowledge subjects which are necessary for working. After receiving the training, tourist guides can bring the evidence to apply for the tourist guide licenses from Tourist Guides and Tourism Business Registration Office of Tourism Authority of Thailand. In the beginning the status of the tourist guide was not recognized. Supaporn Makjeang mentioned in Tourist Guide Principles (1996) that anyone could be a tourist guide if he or she could speak English and it was not necessary for them to receive high education. It was not until the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was founded in 1977 and the professional tourist guide training course was created that professional tourist guides were developed. The training courses have been operated until now and expanded to other major provinces. Moreover, the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand was founded on July 29th 1975 as the center of all tourist guides (Tourist Guide Association Thailand, 1992). Nowadays, the basic knowledge of the tourist guide is mentioned as the basic requirement except from the fluency of foreign languages. This policy makes the university graduates get more jobs. Travel agencies always employ the tourist guides who finish the training courses from the institute guaranteed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This stimulates people who are interested in the tourist guide occupation to finish the training before the job application. Moreover, some government places, especially the Grand Palace and the royal temples, allow only the tourist guides who already passed the training course and have tourist guide licenses to operate the tour (Khummanon, 1996). The expansion of tourism industry and the increasing of the number of tourist guides in Thailand, caused some immoral competitions among tourist guides. They try to do everything to get their own benefits regardless of the rules and their major duty. For example, do not do their job as best as they can, do not pay attention to their clients or take their clients to the shopping area where they received the commission, trying to persuade the tourists to believe that the goods and services are of high qualities with fair prices. In the case of jewelry, some tourist guides said the color mirror are the precious stone, some said gold but its only the metal guilt with gold or said the dog bones as tiger bones (Lookdamnoen, 1989). Lookdamnoen also advises that the first place where the travelers arrive in Bangkok, Bangkok International airport, there are some people trying to submit tendered place where the tourists can meet upon arrival and claim that they are the officers of the airport and favor some services, such as accommodation, sightseeing, excursion and transfer services. They advise some information with documents for tours and excursions with unfair price. In additional, the bad manners of tourist guides such as shouting, crapping to call tourist groups, showing boredom when some tourists came late for the appointment because of the misunderstanding of language or any mistake, showing anger when tourists ask for some explained information, etc (Charoenmuan, 1992). The Tourism Authority of Thailand in the conference of 1/1995 mentioned the tourist guides behaviors that ruin the reputation of their occupation as follows: Forcing tourists to purchase some optional tour by deceiving or intimidating the tourists to accept that tour beside the original deal with the tour company. Taking tourist to the cheating or unfair price shops so that they receive tip or commission from the shop. Requesting some tips or special payments by convincing the tourists to be sympathetic with the management that has no benefit. 4. Taking the tourists passports or air tickets until the tourists pay some additional costs. At the conference of 1/1996 there are some other behaviors that caused the bad reputation and the loss of the honor of the code of ethics as mentioned in the second Ministerial Regulations (1996) of the Act of the Tourist Business and Guide 2008. 1 Explaining or informing some unreal or incorrect information that causes harm to the nation, religion, and the monarchy. 2 Not performing his own duties as a tourist guide who should be concerned with the benefit of tourists as the first priority. 3 Being dishonest, seeking some improper benefit or forcing tourists to do something they are unwilling to do. 4 Disobeying the moral standard. 5 Not believing in the local tradition and regulation of each travelling place. Therefore, the above problems that can say the causes of Thai tourist guides unsuitable behaviors are based on the loss of their moral of the rules and they forgot the importance of their own duties, though they are educated from acceptable institutes as professional tourist guides. Therefore, the assumption of these is the lack of the code of ethics that is the basis of all behaviors and caused people to do the right or suitable things, concerning the collective benefits, and feel responsible for society. All these can be taken as the principle or rules of the suitable performance that the researcher is interested in the ethics of Thai tourist guides and the ways to solve them that can be applied to be the basic idea and promote the professional tourist guides effectively. Related Literature Tour guiding is a highly regarded profession today and being a tourist guide comes with great responsibilities as lives of people while on holiday are entrusted in tourists care. Therefore, it is of vital importance that tourist guides strictly follow and adhere to the tourist guide standards and professional tourist guides code of ethics in order to promote ethics and high moral behavior in the perspectives of international tourists who are travelling in Phuket. This study will look at related fields of business ethics, some ethical theories, moral, and tourist guides ethics in Thailand. Therefore literature review covers the following The importance of tourist guide Tourist guide situation in Thailand Classification of tourist guide in Thailand Qualifications of tourist guide Manners of tourist guide Role and responsibilities of tourist guide The Characteristics of tourist guide Code of ethics of tourist guide Business ethics Normative ethics Moral theory Virtue theory Duty theory 1.2.10 Related research 1.2.1 The importance of tourist guide A tourist guide is a significant component of the travel industry as he has the sole responsibility of taking care of the tourist including all travel arrangements of providing information and explanations (Pongsabuth, 1997). In addition, Supaporn Makjeang in the Principle of Tourist Guide (1996) mentioned that tourists are strangers to their destinations because they are not familiar with the local people, cultural and custom. When travelling alone without a tourist guide, they face problems and challenges and in most cases land up wasting their money and time. Therefore, with time, tourists have come to favor having a tourist guide for their trips. The term tourist guide is used in the travel business with on ease of the understand. However, academics have defined the concept of tourist guides more in terms of rules and responsibilities. A numeral of terms are use to explain those whose responsibility it is to take care of and to inform of tourists. Courier was the term most generally applied to describe tourist guide , today a courier can be called tour captain, tour escort, tour manager, and tourist guide (Jafari, 2000). During the 19th century Thomas Cook became the first travel company that operated group tours by train to Loughborough and other places in Europe (Kruttawacho, 2008). This required tourist guides who could explain and guide tourist on these trips. The Tourism Authority of Thailand in cooperation with Chulalongkorn University in 1961 (Mr. Sumonchart Sawaddikul, a professor at the Faculty of Arts), designed a training course training on professional tourist guides. The first tourist guides student for this course were the third year and upper Faculty of Arts students at Chulalongkorn University. Thereafter the course gained popularity and interested student began to in role. After Chulalongkorn University offered the course for 13 years, Silapakorn University implemented the same course for the first time in 1973 (Khummanon, 1996). In addition, the Humanities Faculty of Kasetsart University started the same course for its own students and opened a new tourism course for the graduated who were still unemployed. Nowadays the course has become widely recognize and other University as the Rajaphat and the Rangsit, ect. have capitalized on its importance and have started offering it to the general public. Due to tourism growth the government realized the need to pass a bill on standards and procedures for tourist guides. The bill stipulated that the Tourism Authority of Thailand be the support and controlling body for the tourist business and tourist guides, by making sure that they meet the standards required by law (that each tourist guide have a tourist guide license) as set out in the Tourist Business and Tourist Guide Act 2008 of Thailand (Tourism Authority of Thailand, 2010). The tourist guide licenses are issued after a person completes the training course arrange by the government service. Each course requires different levels of education. The qualifications stipulation is that one has to be a Thai citizen, aged 20 years or older, with good written and spoken Thai. Tourist guide situation in Thailand Increasing number of registered guides in Thailand demons that working as a tourist guide has become a popular career in the tourism industry. The language requirement in the number of tourist guides in Thailand, (see Figure 2.1). One reason of tourist guides increasing because students who studied in tourism industry course when their graduated TAT approves the tourist guide license. Therefore, the number of registered guides is quite high. Figure 2.1 Number of tourist guide license requirement and approval during January 2010 to November 2010 Source: Tourist Business and Guide Registration Office, Centre (2010) From the implementation year of the Tourist Business and Tourist Guide Act of 2008 until November 2010, there were 42,075 registration tourist guides in Thailand and 35,010 for General guide and 7,065 for Specific guide. Most tourist guide (30,781) was in English language (see Table 2.2) Figure 2.2 Tourist guide classification by languagesJ:ToonioWork_TWitoon20 02 54figure 2.2.jpg Source: Tourist Business and Guide Registration Office, Centre (2010) Classification of tourist guide in Thailand There are two main types of tourist guides: the general guide and the specific guide, as followings: General guide: a tour guide who has knowledge about general tours to places around the kingdom, able to speak Thai and also convey information in other languages to tourists. General guide (Foreign): silver bronze card color, a tour guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists all over the Kingdom in Thailand. General guide (Thai): golden bronze card color, a tour guide who can conduct tours specifically only for Thai tourists all over the kingdom in Thailand. Specific guide: a tour guide who has specialized knowledge; e.g. history, archeology, trekking, etc. to give the information to tourists with specific interests. Specific guide (Foreign-specific area): pink card color, a tour guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists only for provinces listed on the card and those in the adjacent areas. Specific guide (Thai-specific area): light blue card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours specifically for Thai tourists only using the provinces listed on the card and the provinces of adjacent areas. Specific guide (Forest trekking): green card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists specifically in the forest trekking areas. Specific guide (Art cultural): red card color, a tourist guide who conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists specifically on areas concerning history, archeology, art, cultural, or Thai literature all over the kingdom in Thailand. Specific guide (Marine): orange card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists specifically about history, archeology, art, cultural, or Thai literature to tours all over the kingdom of Thailand. Specific guide (Seashore): yellow card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists in the areas by the sea or on islands, with the distance from the coast to the tourist attractions of no more than 40 nautical miles. Specific guide (Natural destinations): purple card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists only on the natural attractions printed on the card. 2.8 Specific guide (Local cultural): brown card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists on the culture, history, geography, and archeology particularly within the local cultural attractions named on the card only. Moreover, there are three kinds of tourist guides; an on-site guide, a city guide and a specialized guide (Mancini, 1996). 1.2.4 Qualifications of tourist guide Wannathanom (2003) mentions that being a tourist guide, one should have some specific qualifications since it is a career for those who have to interact with many people from different cultures and different behaviors. Eighteen attributes which are of importance to the tourist guides were identified, which are Klamsaengsai (2006) mentioned that: Good personality: before taking care of others, the tourist guide has to initially concentrate on his or herself, especially with regards to cleanliness and overall neatness. Human relations: this is about the ability to impress tourists and to create friendships with their automatically. Be a knowledgeable person: the tourist guide should be erudite about the destination and related topics, and possess a broad and deep knowledge for the benefits of the tourists. Eloquence: in the career of a tourist guide cannot be avoided because verbal communication is one tool for achieving success. Perceptiveness: good tourist guides should be able to notice and memorize surroundings quicker than tourists, since some notices can be useful for the tourist guide in answering popular questions from tourists. Service mentality: this qualifying is most important for tourist guide who works in the service industry. Tourist guides need to have the spirit of being a service provider to make others happy instead of doing the work just for money or temporary experiences. Travel Experience: the more travel experience they have the more confident the tourist guide will be. Punctuality High responsibility: one big responsibility of the tourist guide is to take care of all tourists, all throughout their traveling, therefore tourist guides cannot abandon their duties of looking after the tourist. Punctuality is one significant thing that the tourist guide who acts as a tour leader needs to respect. Patience: the tourism industry can be called a people based industry where both demand and supply are mainly related to individuals with different characteristics. If there is pressure from tourists or other problems, tourist guides have to refrain themselves. Intelligence: this does not mean being a genius but tourist guides have to be conscious of every situation and so that everything goes smoothly. Sense of humor: not exactly like a comedian, but tourist guides should have some talent in sharing jokes and general information. Good mentality and good health: in tourist guides, it is a hard based type of work taking care of a group of tourists. Tourist guides always have limited time to relax, therefore they should take care of themselves as well. Good memory: besides recognizing tourist information, tourist guides must try to remember. Then, they can call tourists by their correct name and making a tourist impression Leadership: in conducting tours, tourists always believe that the tourist guide is the head or the leader of the tour who can help them in every difficulty. Tourist guides should be able to control the group. Honesty: this is the quality needed for every career including that of the tourist guide who have to take care of tourists, follow the itinerary, or recommend good shops to tourists without cheating. Foreign Language: in case of inbound or outbound tours, proficiency in foreign languages, especially English is one important attribute for tourist guides to achieve in communicating with foreign tourists and to make the tour go smoothly. Be enthusiastic: as being a leader of the group, tourist guides need to be active and reactive anytime to make tourists feel confident. Problem solving ability: for both predicable and unpredictable problems, tourist guides are the heroes in the eyes of tourists, so they have to use their experience and their talent to solve the problem. Referring to H.Q. Zhang, I. Chow (2004) conducted to assess tourist guide performance that service quality of tourist guide should/should be or has as followings: Punctuality Ability to solve problems Knowledge of the destination Honesty and trustworthiness Knowledge of information about safety regulations Ability to deliver the service promised in itinerary Politeness Being good at presentation skills Well trained Ability to briefing visitors on daily itinerary Ability to respect for customer Ability in communicating in foreign languages Ability to being friendliness Ability to general friendly atmosphere Ability to neat and tidy appearance Ability to always being available for help Ability to paying attention to detail Ability to informing visitors about destinations customs Ability to introducing reliable shops Ability to sense of humor According to Hall mentions that in Handbook of Professional Tour Management (1993) the tourist guides should have some qualifications that make an advantage trip as follows: The ability to attract prospects: the tourist guide should be a positive sales factors, some travelers want a status symbol, and security. Tourist guide should be able to command and control the group by the follow factors. Knowledge of the area: tourist guide should knowledge of historical place and have been there before when the tourist guide speak with more empower to advice facilities and attractions, to assess the period of travel days, and to remember and handle the possible problems. First aid skills: tourist guide must be prudent about any medical burdens. And another skills as artificial respiration, CPR, water safety, and first echelon first aid are important. Having someone available in these areas to provide the convenient thing to tourist. Forcefulness and decisiveness: tourist guide should have able to manage people and decision making. This is no job for an unsteady, timid personality. A positive outlook: tourist guide should be an optimist and optimism must be made communicate, definite maturity is essential, enabling them to maintain a perspective to communicate this with confidence. Honesty and loyalty: tourist guide should have moral must be practiced on behalf of the tourist guide, no cheating the tourist. This is both unfair and unwise, and ultimately reflects on the escort. Assertiveness: tourist guide had better possess self-assurance, self-pride, and a certain amount of ego. When a receptionist insists there are fully single rooms as promised by the vouchers, tourist guide must be stable. Get me a supervisor this does not mean being loud and abusive, or acting tough; that it mean exhibiting inner strength and resolution. It means insisting on the rights of the tourists. A claim demeanor: the best tourist guide do not panic, even internally. They are able to think clearly when riot threatens. A warm personality: tourist guide must be a bit of the commanding officer in the tour, while establishing leadership credentials, must still communicate a sunny disposition, flash that ready amile, and reveal an enthusiastic. Tourists expect their escort be lively, gifted with attractive voices, and having that essential sense of humor. A clean and neat appearance: tourists can afford to look casual or untidy, but tourist guide present a perpetually appearance. Tourists wonder how he or she can keep looking fresh. Good health: tourist guide should be reasonable a good health, free from weaken complaints, and blesses with a reserve of power. Tourist guide must always be up and stay ahead of their passengers who wake up first and sometimes the last to bed. Even when the escort is not feeling in top form. Tourist guide should have ability to bounce back from the head cold or upset stomach, along with the power to persevere. Flexibility: tourist guide should have ability to change directions when they might face with equipment breakdowns, failure in communication, disagreeable and troublesome passengers, illness, natural disasters, transportation delays, and so on. Anticipation: tourist guide figures out in advance everything that might go wrong and tries to insure against this occur. That means frequent conversations with the bus driver or cruise personnel, advance phone calls, a survey of facilities before leading in the group Negative qualities: the thing that the tourist guide should acknowledge tourist do not want the tourist guide who are dishonest, who are congenitally lazy, whose manner is abrasive, who are frightened and unstable, and who have no talent for managing others. Therefore, there is not yet concluded rather than well-designed to give all conclusions of the tourist guides qualifications. In what it mostly depends on governments tourism policys development and adaptation of each country Manners of tourist guide Manners and ethics of tourist guides is their verbal behavior, interaction and the best practices of tourist guides in order to maintain prestige of the professional status, and professional tourist guides who make a profession of honor which has been respected as representatives of the country and the Thai people (Makchang, 1996). Tourist guides are responsible the full time and not leave tourists on their own. Integrity to tourists do to not lose the integrity tourists benefits such as, taking the tourists to buy only at shops where tourist guides get more commission with no regard for the quality of the product. Tourist guides should understand that they are in the position of service providers to tourists and not show inappropriate reactions to tourists when tourists do not perform according to schedule. Tourist guides should have an understanding of the desires and needs of their tourist. They should also give equal attention to everyone, and maintain harmony. Tourist guides should have compassion, A desire for others to be happy the purpose of tourism is to help as tourists want to be happy and enjoy travel that tourist guides can willingly provide to tourists.