As travel to Asian destinations continues to grow, Synovate surveyed 891 people in Thailand to determine the perceived costs and benefits of inbound tourism, the most irritating tourist behaviour and the least-favoured tourist nations. Almost 2,500 people were also surveyed in Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore.

While a relatively modest 8 per cent of the Thais work in a job that is related to or benefits from tourism and 9 per cent say they come into contact with tourists at least once a week, respondents said that tourism impacts the country as a whole.

When asked to consider both the costs and benefits of tourism, 61 per cent said they were better off with tourism than without. Although the industry was well received in most countries surveyed, Singaporeans (75 per cent) and Hong Kong residents (65 per cent) were more grateful for the tourist trade than their Thai counterparts, while Indonesians (41 per cent) were not as convinced of its blessings.

In terms of specific advantages, a vast majority of the Thais seem to be financially driven, with 89 per cent of respondents considering the additional jobs and improved economy that tourism brings with it big plusses. Also, 72 per cent said they appreciated the less tangible benefits gained from increased cultural interaction, closely mirroring the results for Indonesia and Singapore.

Despite the broad support for tourism and an acknowledgement of the rewards it can bring, some Thais also see its downside. A full 21 percent of the respondents said that tourism had diluted the local culture, while one quarter agreed with the statement "There is far too much tourism in my country at present".

Up to 30 per cent of respondents said that tourism put too much strain on local infrastructure while more than one in five said they disliked the large numbers of foreigners that spend their vacation exploring the Kingdom.

Steven Britton, managing director of Synovate Thailand, said that while some locals might find sharing their country a little testing at times, the survey showed that most residents would actually like more to be done to draw visitors.

"The level of tourism that Thailand receives can have its drawbacks, but with 79 per cent of residents of the belief that more should be done to encourage tourism, it's clear that the majority of Thais welcome visitors, and their wallets, with open arms," he said.

Although tourism is seen in a positive light by most Thais, some tourists are not, with 28 per cent naming mainland Chinese as the least polite visitors, followed by tourists from India (20 per cent) and the Middle East (19 per cent).

At the other end of the tourist spectrum, European and Japanese visitors are considered the most polite, each nominated by 24 per cent of Thais, followed by British tourists (14 per cent), and visitors from Australia and New Zealand (13 per cent). When asked which tourist behaviour they find impolite, 29 per cent said damaging the local sights was the most offensive, 21 per cent cited cultural insensitivity and 20 per cent cited spitting.

Britton said that although some tourist behaviour could offend Thais, most understood the difficulties cultural differences can pose and hoped their country was seen as a welcoming place to visit.

"Thais are aware that good manners work both ways and, despite their gripes," he said, "more than three quarters of the population believe their fellow citizens should be friendlier towards visitors.

"Tourism may have its disadvantages, but most Thais are very keen to make a good impression and happily share their country with travellers from all nations, believing the benefits they bring far outweigh any inconveniences."