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Published on November 1, 2007

"The tourism guides who are older than 37, who have more than nine years of experience in the field and whose families are well-off can do a better job," research team leader Chaiyuth Kultangwattana said.

His team conducted a study on the correlation between the performance of Thai tour guides and a range of psychological and social indicators.

"These tour guides are honest and know how to take care of tourists' health needs too," Chaiyuth said.

The team was presented with an award for its research from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) yesterday.

The NRCT also granted an award to a research team for a study on the effect of psychological and peer-assistance training for the prevention of HIV/Aids infections among male university students.

Headed by Assoc Prof Pissamai Wiboonsawas, the study found that male students who practised meditation had better attitudes towards avoiding HIV/Aids risks and showed greater interest in helping friends avoid the same risks.

"Providing psychological and skill training can be more efficient than handing out condoms when it comes to preventing the spread of Aids," the study said.

The Nation