Thailand Billionaire Keen to Restart Tourism

[Elkski]

Well he says some true  things.  But I didn't  know the virus only seeks the poor?  How will he test his desired tourists? A credit score or virus test.  Look at all the well to do NYC people who got the virus.  Even sports figures,  reporters, politicians,  actors. He talks numbers of billions lost.   He lost because people didnt spend. As long as poor people are alive they didnt lose. I want to see him go out to a Thonglor restaurant this weekend be an example not a jerk. He acknowledged that Thailand was slow to close down and many Chinese  were here in January and February,  I call low case numbers just dumb luck. Or maybe it's in the food.   Som tom?  I also wonder if a similar virus has existed in Thailand before so people have a herd  immunity.  He says great hospital care but somehow  the hospitals were  not taxed like they could have been. I'm still shaking my head in disbelief at the low numbers Thailand has had, it makes no sense what so ever to me.  He did acknowledge Office Buildings will not be needed so much and I believe this is true. Just think how much money many of these companies can save if they could find buyers for their big showcase offices this includes Banks and many other businesses.  It's interesting he mentioned some buildings may need to be converted to condos as if the condo industry likes to hear this.  This is just one selfish ugly  rich man.  

Edited May 15, 2020 by Elkski

[phantomfiddler]

17 hours ago, AlexRich said:

I don't think many countries can survive for very long under lockdown conditions. Wear masks, wash hands, isolate the most vulnerable ... but otherwise get on with work and life. An effective vaccine might never arrive so the World must learn to live with this virus until it fades out. 

Fades out or most likely just becomes one of life’s ordinary risks like flu or being mowed down on Thailand’s roads ????

[tribalfusion001]

17 minutes ago, Letseng said:

Not only Thailand wants quality tourists. European tourist countries also talk about less tourists but higher spending tourists. What is wrong with the idea?

Good luck finding them, actually they will be in places like The Maldives or The Seycelles.

Edited May 15, 2020 by tribalfusion001

[JeffreyO]

I'm always late to these shows but I'm going to state something we all know.

 

The reasons lock-downs don't work isn't the fault of the lock-down nor those that are calling for them.  In societies that listen to the absolute rule of law they generally work.  The problem is freedom.  Now, freedom itself isn't the issue but the concept of it can be.  If everyone around the world just had enough food for 2-3 weeks and sheltered in place and did NOT leave the home for that time unless absolutely necessary, the situation would be all but resolved but people are selfish, they go out, they think they're safe, young or elderly and as such the virus continues to spread.

 

Now I'm someone who is a veteran who fought for our freedoms and rights so I am not saying restrict freedoms in any way, shape or, form but I do think that people take it to the extreme when asked to do even the most basic of things... I hope this stays a pandemic and doesn't become endemic.

[waders123]

"he added. "One million wealthy tourists will equal five million normal tourists." "  Well now we "average" tourists have been properly dismissed.  We served their purpose to get the pocketbooks filled now go away and let only the ultra wealthy come. 

News Flash!  The ultra wealthy will not come when they have places to visit or live that offer way better perks/lifestyle and they aren't bombarded with laws and rules changing like the weather.  Your "average" tourists are your meat and potatoes to your tourist economy; with them you have a steady and fairly smooth economy.  Without them you have highs and lows.

[torturedsole]

21 hours ago, AlexRich said:

An effective vaccine might never arrive so the World must learn to live with this virus until it fades out.

 

[kiwikeith]

21 hours ago, BobbyL said:

Thailand is already well-known for its hospitality, warmth, and friendliness

 

That is true to a certain extent, however in this day and age Thailand is also known for corruption, scams, pollution, xenophobia, dual pricing, high prices for sub - standard services, shocking health and safety standards, bizarre government rules that change at any time etc.

 

His aims are good, but something like this is just not going to happen. 

Richard Branson should be a good candidate for his plan, and there is plenty of rich Russian, Nigerian, Italian and other rich mafia types who want to be in the kingdom 

[ChaiyaTH]

No wonder the rich are keen to restart, now all competition is bankrupt or in debt, it is easy to take even a bigger stake.
Confused with the obsession for wealthy only though, Thailand might be nice once being wealthy but is certainly not that interesting for the majority.

 

The thing with wealthy is, you can pay for quality and then also expect that quality. The latter Thailand still have to learn.

Edited May 15, 2020 by ChaiyaTH

[hotchilli]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

He said now is the time for Thailand to shift its tourism image from "quantity to quality".

So what will all the gai-ping vendors and jet ski sharks do for a living?
Or the "trinket sellers in the flea markets?

[hotchilli]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

"Many businesses are struggling to survive because they don't have the liquidity they need to operate," he added

Knocking  10-15% off the value of the baht would go a long way to getting trade going again, the export market & tourism was plunging already before Corvid 19 came along.

[hotchilli]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

"Impressed tourists will become repeaters," he added. "One million wealthy tourists will equal five million normal tourists."

But wealthy tourist want more than Somtam and a stroll down walking street, Thailand has to change what it has to offer to pull-in the wealthy... take a look at the "wealthy hotspots" around the southern Med areas

you cannot compete on the same level.

[SupermarineS6B]

8 hours ago, DrTuner said:

Indeed. I'll just plop this one here again in case people are interested.

 

https://newleftreview.org/issues/II97/articles/benedict-anderson-riddles-of-yellow-and-red

marvelous read,  says it all......  

[hotchilli]

21 hours ago, unamazedloso said:

what a load of rubbish!

"make the rich people feel safe"?? Tourists however can be stabbed, shot at, scammed, extorted, etc .. 

Ask the tourists if you give a hoot!! Rich selfish scumbag hisos dont no diddly....

Can you imagine a rich-wealthy tourist strolling with his missus down walking street or Soi 6 taking in the delights, while listening to the pumping music, mixing it with all the others in shorts & string vests.

Where are they going to go during the daytime to amuse themselves, sitting on a stinking beach being hounded by cheap deck-chair vendors or the jet-ski brigade, or take a dip in the polluted ocean, maybe sit next to the 5 star hotel pool while someone rifles your room and opens your safe?

Maybe an early evening stroll down the pristine sidewalks, dodging the katoeys or "scoopy gold snatchers" after your Rolex and bling!

A trip into Bangkok to get stuck in a traffic jam, sucking in the polluted air, a ride on BTS to "rub shoulders" with the natives, or a taxi city tour ride with Bangkoks finest drivers, still cheap at double the price!!!

If you want wealthy you have to provide what they're used to... they live a life of luxury everyday and want it when they travel.... they don't want some scam.

[SupermarineS6B]

8 hours ago, SupermarineS6B said:

Personally i think it's about time that someone whispered in the ear hole of the perpetual tourist that the lads from the North are driving his car, using his petrol, and are about to flog it.......  It's the only way to stop the little yellow devils from the take over that's on the books.......  Just read CP's words....... "White out, Yellow in" ........ Sorry lads, all those hoops you've jumped through and all that cash you've put into Thai banks means squat !   Look at them , Little Tuu, Anutin, CP......... It's like a Chinese family get together..... and they've all forgotten why their daddys legged it from China......    

I've got to share this..........  Very important.......  https://newleftreview.org/issues/II97/articles/benedict-anderson-riddles-of-yellow-and-red

[Oziex1]

22 hours ago, RJRS1301 said:

Please tell, where are these tourists going to fly from? Most countries have not opened their international borders for pleasure travel

Most countries still have their borders closed

Will the tourists have to quarantine on arrival and on return to home countries?

Will they be Covid tested prior to boarding?

Require a certificate of negative, which would only be valid until they take the first breath after test taken? (Could be near an infected person and breath in the droplets)

Have these issues been though through?

 

 

Good points of course, why does a Thai billionaire not realise any of this?

The elites continue to believe that at the press of a button they will come and now we're back to that old chestnut of quality tourists.

The countries appeal is its low cost, some of witch is in the past now.

[Sharp]

6 hours ago, Elkski said:

Well he says some true  things.  But I didn't  know the virus only seeks the poor?  How will he test his desired tourists? A credit score or virus test.  Look at all the well to do NYC people who got the virus.  Even sports figures,  reporters, politicians,  actors. He talks numbers of billions lost.   He lost because people didnt spend. As long as poor people are alive they didnt lose. I want to see him go out to a Thonglor restaurant this weekend be an example not a jerk. He acknowledged that Thailand was slow to close down and many Chinese  were here in January and February,  I call low case numbers just dumb luck. Or maybe it's in the food.   Som tom?  I also wonder if a similar virus has existed in Thailand before so people have a herd  immunity.  He says great hospital care but somehow  the hospitals were  not taxed like they could have been. I'm still shaking my head in disbelief at the low numbers Thailand has had, it makes no sense what so ever to me.  He did acknowledge Office Buildings will not be needed so much and I believe this is true. Just think how much money many of these companies can save if they could find buyers for their big showcase offices this includes Banks and many other businesses.  It's interesting he mentioned some buildings may need to be converted to condos as if the condo industry likes to hear this.  This is just one selfish ugly  rich man.  

+1

[fredwiggy]

On 5/15/2020 at 7:21 AM, BobbyL said:

Thailand is already well-known for its hospitality, warmth, and friendliness

 

That is true to a certain extent, however in this day and age Thailand is also known for corruption, scams, pollution, xenophobia, dual pricing, high prices for sub - standard services, shocking health and safety standards, bizarre government rules that change at any time etc.

 

His aims are good, but something like this is just not going to happen. 

It never happens until democracy enters. Corruption is here because wages are very low. And what does having good hospitals and doctors to do with covid spreading? The United States has some of the best doctors and hospitals in the world and they can't keep up with this disease, mainly because the people aren't stupid but arrogant, not wanting to do what is necessary. Thailand people were quick to put on masks , keep them on, as all asians are and follow some rules, but social distancing isn't happening as far as I've seen on a daily basis. Thailand has been very lucky because of some so far unexplained things, and masks, sunlight, not being a hugging type of people, diet, vitamin d from being outside a lot and who knows what. What does a billionaire have in this? To make more money.

Edited May 16, 2020 by fredwiggy

[jobas69]

Money over safety what a tosser or maybe his Chinese masters or pulling his strings ????

[PumpkinEater]

Yes make Thailand into a “country club” for the rich...

The rest of us rif raf is not needed, except maybe to serve them the drinks.

 

income level needed to join.(enter Thailand)..$750K per year income or net worth of 1 mil.

 

We already see the mansions on the hills on Koh Samui...by wealthy Chinese, Russian, Europeans.

”Country club” in the making.

[bipper]

Better if he was concerned with this kind of thing in meat processing.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/01/covid-19-outbreaks-at-irish-meat-plants-raise-

 

[Mikeasq60]

On 5/15/2020 at 4:07 AM, cornishcarlos said:

So it's hitting the big boys pockets... Time for action !!

Of course it's hitting everyones pockets. I laugh and shake my head when I read the comments of those who want to stay permanently locked down. They must have been born wealthy 

[Suua]

He has to explain why would 'rich people' want to come to a cesspool of corrupt, filthy, uneducated, disease ridden, South east asia, when there are infinitely nicer, friendlier, less corrupt, cleaner, destinations through out the world.

I can't think of one good reason why the worlds wealthy would want to come to this run down filthy country.

[actonion]

Thailand is known  for being hospitalable, friendly, and warm  he says ....thats history, talk about  now,  not so hospitable or friendly 

[crazykopite]

If the Government are going to insist that a medical certificate is issued to a traveler no more than 72 hours before departure as well as all travellers have a $100,000 insurance certificate stating that your are covered for Covid 19 then there are going to be very very few foreigners coming to Thailand as it’s nigh on impossible to get these requirements I know this as my wife has tried as she went to the U.K. just prior to all this happening even her flights from BA have been cancelled her latest one for June which had already been rescheduled was cancelled again last week I think Thailand can forget tourism until the earliest 2021 these people live in cuckoo land if they think everything will be back to normal by September 

[crazykopite]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Can you imagine a rich-wealthy tourist strolling with his missus down walking street or Soi 6 taking in the delights, while listening to the pumping music, mixing it with all the others in shorts & string vests.

Where are they going to go during the daytime to amuse themselves, sitting on a stinking beach being hounded by cheap deck-chair vendors or the jet-ski brigade, or take a dip in the polluted ocean, maybe sit next to the 5 star hotel pool while someone rifles your room and opens your safe?

Maybe an early evening stroll down the pristine sidewalks, dodging the katoeys or "scoopy gold snatchers" after your Rolex and bling!

A trip into Bangkok to get stuck in a traffic jam, sucking in the polluted air, a ride on BTS to "rub shoulders" with the natives, or a taxi city tour ride with Bangkoks finest drivers, still cheap at double the price!!!

If you want wealthy you have to provide what they're used to... they live a life of luxury everyday and want it when they travel.... they don't want some scam.

I presume your referring to Pattaya ! I can never see foreigners who are classed as millionaires coming to the Kingdom unless it’s purely for business but even that is now going to change as companies have now realised that business can be carried on by live conference calling or working from home the world is changing it will never be the same once we sort out this terrible virus and those who work mainly in the online industry and have found themselves stranded somewhere in the world now know that they can earn a pretty good living as long as they have a laptop in the backpack. 

[hotchilli]

3 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

I presume your referring to Pattaya !

Yes I was using Pattaya as a model, as T.A.T like to call it the "family friendly" experience.

But you could take almost any resort around the country and see how it's been transformed into something similar, even Bangkok is the same, Nana, Soi Cowboy, Ping pong [pun intended] and all the other nefarious areas.

Thailand doesn't know how to do anything else, it worked back in the 70's and it's still flogging the same dead horse... a one trick pony.

The rest of your comments are dead-on, things have got to change to get ahead.... but Thailand cannot change neither can most of the vendors/traders, they'll just open up same as before & hope for the best.. 

[tomauasia]

Fact or fiction. Your numbers are fiction. The truth is Pattaya will never open. You did a casino deal with the consortium. The monorail will take gamblers from airport to casino. The operators will not allow bars. So now Pattaya people are being forced out. Evident by the starvation tactics. China have taken over. Sold out. Good luck 

[fredwiggy]

1 hour ago, Suua said:

He has to explain why would 'rich people' want to come to a cesspool of corrupt, filthy, uneducated, disease ridden, South east asia, when there are infinitely nicer, friendlier, less corrupt, cleaner, destinations through out the world.

I can't think of one good reason why the worlds wealthy would want to come to this run down filthy country.

The beaches are still as beautiful as any in the world. The women are some of the most beautiful on earth. The food is excellent. Looking past the rice country and it's farming community. Some like to see temples, hill tribes, elephants and monkeys. They'll always be here.

[fruitman]

22 hours ago, RotBenz8888 said:

22 hours ago, fruitman said:

Last week we went out for a walk on the sidewalk, i heard a loud bang behind us and looked back...there i saw a large glowing fireball dropping down from a huge transformer...it was melted metal i think...so lucky i didn't get that on me head.

And they're talking about 100 000usd insurance, for covid19.....

Exactly, and guess what? That transformer is around the corner of our house in a hi-so mubahn where many Thai have a car that costs more than 100.000 usd...

 

And this transformer is less than 3 years old because the previous one exploded totally with a big bang 3 years ago.

[Wildliferescue]

All these negative people on this page as usual, so many losers full of hate of whoever that did better in life than themselves.

 

Be happy that one of Thailand richest speaks out and says Thailand needs to open up as soon as possible for foreign travellers, and says that we need quality instead of quantity tourists.

 

Sure he is to gain from opening up, like we all do. As he is one of Thailand's richest he knows how to make money, which is actually a good thing, unlike the current leaders who only know how to rule without facing any consequences of their continuous failures and mismanagement. Rich people like Dhanin run big businesses, his group of companies alone employ over 350,000 people worldwide. We have seen too many examples that these kind of people should never run a country, but they definitely should use their money and power to push the governments in to the right direction. If this lockdown continues too long, many have nothing more left than just their lives.