Chiang Mai reels under impact of new coronavirus as tourists stay away

[webfact]

Chiang Mai reels under impact of new coronavirus as tourists stay away

By THE NATION

 

 

The new coronavirus outbreak has turned Chiang Mai into a quiet town.

 

On Wednesday (February 12), Thansettakij newspaper reported the results of its survey on tourist attractions in Chiang Mai since February 8, which was Makha Puja Day and the start of a three-day long holiday.

 

The survey found a sharp decline in tourists, especially those from China. “Chiang Mai used to be highly popular among Chinese tourists, but this year only a few of them can be seen at tourist attractions as well as at Chiang Mai International Airport,” said a source.

 

 

A van service provider in Chiang Mai said that during the 44th Chiang Mai Flower Festival from February 7-9, his company only saw Thai customers visiting the fair. “My vans usually pick up Chinese tourists from tourist attractions to Khaomao-Khaofang, a giant fusion restaurant in Chiang Mai, which was always packed with Chinese tourists, but this year I have yet to see a single Chinese tourist there.”

 

January and February mark the start of the high-season for Chiang Mai tourism that lasts until Songkran Festival in April. The tourism industry in Chiang Mai usually expects more than 2 million visitors from China alone. The main factor behind the huge drop in Chinese visitors is the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30382006

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-02-12

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[Nakmuay887]

Better buckle up. Many reports say the virus won't even peak for another 3 months. 

[ChipButty]

Tourism was going down before the sh#t hit the fan

[Lacessit]

Good. I'm coming back in a week, and the fewer plague carriers around, the better for me.

[crabbie2020]

FANTASTIC NEWS!

 

MAYBE THE THAIS WILL APPRECIATE US FALANG NOW!!!!

[Bill97]

Read the article about when the high season is, then flush it.

[Just1Voice]

I live in Chiang Mai and have not seen it this quiet in 10 years.  I love it!

[BritManToo]

36 minutes ago, webfact said:

The main factor behind the huge drop in Chinese visitors is the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

And everyone else stopped coming because the the extreme air pollution.

[Nyezhov]

30 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Good. I'm coming back in a week, and the fewer plague carriers around, the better for me.

You fled did you?

[Nyezhov]

4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

And everyone else stopped coming because the the extreme air pollution.

And thats why this old man is esconced in Cambodia. Im willing to put up with all of their silly little hoops in Thailand, but give me clean air. You cant? Well then I just go somewhere else close enough and visit when the air is clean.

 

And Im not talking about two bit primitive slash and burn, Im talking the whole legnth down the valley smogged with car and industrial spew. 

[smedly]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

And everyone else stopped coming because the the extreme air pollution.

people enjoy wearing masks on holiday didn't you know - it's so much fun That the Thai health minister is giving out for (deleted) free

[NCC1701A]

I remember in 2008 when I began researching Thailand on the web everything was retire to CM, CM, CM.

 

 

 

 

[holy cow cm]

I love it. So quiet and less congested for once. You get sick of seeing and having to watch your step with a million Chinese running around.

[BritManToo]

2 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

I remember in 2008 when I began researching Thailand on the web everything was retire to CM, CM, CM.

I did, in 2009 and it was great ....... not so great now though.

[Kelsall]

I saw lots of Chinese tourists in Cm during the flower festival which ended Monday.  Hopefully they're all gone now.

[Berkshire]

GOOD.  Less Chinese tourists means less possibility of the corona spreading.  Nothing against Chinese tourists (well, maybe a tad), but better safe than sorry.

[cmsally]

What could possibly go wrong if you rely on only one nationality for the majority of your customer base ??!!

[Misab]

Not the only reason tourist don't like smoke from garbage and fields.

 

[Kelsall]

3 minutes ago, Misab said:

Not the only reason tourist don't like smoke from garbage and fields.

 

I love the smell of dioxins in the morning.

[Dcheech]

11 minutes ago, crabbie2020 said:

MAYBE THE THAIS WILL APPRECIATE US FALANG NOW!!!!

You saw the glowing comment Minister Anutin made. He was angrier than usual at farangs, all because Chinese tourism dried up, due to a Chinese spawned coronavirus.

 

I'm feeling the love

 

 

[BritManToo]

3 minutes ago, Dcheech said:

You saw the glowing comment Minister Anutin made. He was angrier than usual at farangs, all because Chinese tourism dried up, due to a Chinese spawned coronavirus.

I'm feeling the love

It's odd really, you'd think he would be happy we're still here.

But no, he wants us out as well.

 

Can't beat Thai thinking!

[Lacrimas]

1 hour ago, crabbie2020 said:

FANTASTIC NEWS!

 

MAYBE THE THAIS WILL APPRECIATE US FALANG NOW!!!!

I guess you missed the news about the health ministry saying f*cking farangs and that we should leave

[Lacrimas]

Just now, BritManToo said:

It's odd really, you'd think he would be happy we're still here.

But no, he wants us out as well.

 

Can't beat Thai thinking!

They are just big fat racists that's the problem. They don't like white faces around here.

[trainman34014]

1 hour ago, crabbie2020 said:

FANTASTIC NEWS!

 

MAYBE THE THAIS WILL APPRECIATE US FALANG NOW!!!!

Don't be daft; that would be far too sensible !

[CGW]

44 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

I remember in 2008 when I began researching Thailand on the web everything was retire to CM, CM, CM.

I retired 7 years ago, my first choice was CM, but choose against due to the pollution, it's always been bad, but either got worse of there is more publicity, I had the advantage I was living in Thailand already and got my information first hand along with boots on the ground.

[PatOngo]

38 minutes ago, Kelsall said:

I love the smell of dioxins in the morning.

Enjoy the Agent Orange sunset!

[ChipButty]

I guess hotel bookings have nose dived in CM?

[cmsally]

45 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

I guess hotel bookings have nose dived in CM?

Depends who your customer base is !

[bkk6060]

Was out and about today.

Just my imagination maybe, but people seemed friendlier and more willing to provide service.  Walked into a restaurant I have never seen before and the manager gave me a tour and his business card.  The place was empty.  Even had a friendly conversation at a coffee place with the barista. Got a foot massage very friendly they did request I put my mask on.  No problem.

Definitely slow out there less traffic and malls I would say 1/5th their normal crowds.

[cmsally]

I have heard at least 5 business owners say how happy they are now there are no Chinese. 2 shop owners, 2 night Bazaar stall owners and one coffee shop. Most of the shop/stall owners complain the Chinese don't buy and spend ages taking pictures and getting in everybody's way.