chriscurtis

The Russians are broke. As are the Americans, the Brits, the Chinese, and most everyone else. (Except for the Nordic nations).

Norwegian Krone has lost 20+% against the Baht.

Why is the baht so strong?

what is the world coming to?

Gold and Foreign cash reserves.

A Norwegian friend was discussing this yesterday about his Krone isnt going as far as last year and has to cut back eating out. It's down 24%

He showed me some graphs of the year to date currency slide.

Australian dollar is down 27% since last year against the baht.

Euro is even worse at 29%

Russian ruble has nearly halved.

We found it amazing that the USD hasn't moved really at all in the last year which is very odd.

Thailand needs to weaken their baht or it will just get worse for tourism and exports which the country relies on.

I can't explain it, but the dollar is strong against all other currencies, EXCEPT the Baht. Maye it is pegged, I don't know.

The Russians are broke. As are the Americans, the Brits, the Chinese, and most everyone else. (Except for the Nordic nations).

I'm American and I still have money. In fact, I was in Belize about three months ago, and there were lots of Americans there spending money. To be fair, it is a shorter flight, but price wise comparable, and hotels and dining out is actually more expensive than Phuket.

I was in Phuket in late December, and it was noticeably more quiet. Maybe the downturn will scour some elements out.

I reserved a room for a week during peak season at a rather high end accomodation. Last week I went to their website and they were offering discounts and amenities to 40% off peak I re-booked.

Many forum BMs, I think, are guest house entrepreneurs; so my question is how is peak season looking?

Less bookings than last year, same as last year, different tourists or higher demand?

Just trying to get a sense of things.

I booked a hotel for this upcoming high season. Upon confirmation, I was also sent this message:

Fast Track Service

In conjunction with a private company, our hotel offers guests who arrive or depart on direct flights to and from Phuket (not via Bangkok) a fast-track immigration and luggage assistance service. The “Coral Executive Lounge” staff greet guests before immigration & lead them through a priority line assisting with their luggage before introducing them to the driver and airport staff. When more than one international flight arrive at the same time, the immigration queues can be very long at Phuket Airport. This arrival service costs Baht 650 net per guest on arrival and Baht 750 net on departure and provides access to the Coral Lounge as well. VIP departure service is also available for Baht 950 and offers additional assistance with luggage from drop off at the airport, through luggage x-ray and check in with the airlines. Children below 2 years old are free of charge. Please advise us if you would like to book this service upon your arrival or departure to and from Phuket.