chilli42 Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 No need to worry Anthony, nothing is going to happen. Thailand’s opportunity to participate in high end tourism sailed a long time ago. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamma Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 16 hours ago, TTSIssues said: That’s a very interesting point - Thail people genuinely believe that Thailand is the best place in the world and they are the best people: all ideas are created there, all the best inventions, they were never colonized because of their power (not because of their geographical location or the fact the then rulers just allowed the British and French in to take what they wanted) very proud nation, but very misguided. I suspect it's their education system? Apart from the pure science subjects many of the social sciences are eschewed, eg. history. I've met many Thais that believe Colgate toothpaste is Thai owned. Or that 7-11 is a Thai company. Their whole modern social structure from TV shows, movies, music, shopping malls, etc. is borrowed or copied from the West but many believe they were all created in Thailand? It's sad really. Like Plato's Allegory of the cave. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNXexpat Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 10 hours ago, Thomas J said: High end tourists go to places like Hawaii and Monaco. They don't come to visit Pattaya or Chiang Mai. While some well heeled tourists might visit it certainly won't be an every year experience and in no way could it make up for the unused hotel, restaurant, and tourist attractions that need large numbers of people to run a profitable business. Wrong! Ask in the 5* hotels in Chiang Mai who rents the expensive suites. And Thailand is for many Chinese easy and quick to reach for a long weekend trip opposite Monaco and Hawaii. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post garyk Posted June 24, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 24, 2020 (edited) Times are a changing for sure. Many years ago in the north I had a kid ask me "kun ma jak nai." first time seeing a foreigner. Now it is go home, .. haha These money hungry Thai's that run things are really hurting the country IMHO. I used to travel around Thailand and the 500-700/night places were thick. Many many places, we were on a first name basis, and they loved to see me coming, and I loved to be there. What is going to happen to the 100's of thousand of these places. Amazing Thailand Kinda miss the old times, great memories for sure. But sh*t happens and Thailand is definitely not the travel destination it once was for westerners. I am enjoying a change of scenery, and although slowing down, I am really enjoying Mexico and South America now.. Edited June 24, 2020 by garyk 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post torturedsole Posted June 24, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 24, 2020 So where are all high-end tourists going to stay after they all magically arrive in LOS at the same? There's only so many premium floor international hotels rooms to go around. High-end tourists don't do budget hotels and they don't do 5,000 baht a night rooms either. A very pragmatic, reasonable and justified response by the hoteliers. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Kwaynoom Posted June 24, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 24, 2020 We own and manage several ocean front resort condominiums in Maui. Most of these "high-end" tourists wouldn't even go to pre-covid Thailand if you paid them. Thailand is also an agricultural economy and so should understand the concept of reaping what you sow. 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Stargeezr Posted June 24, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 24, 2020 I know of some rich people who do not stay at the high end places. That is partly why they are rich, as they do not spend stupid. The rich General who is now PM forgets that he was not rich all his life, short memory etc and him and his other rich buddies see a few hundred rich people and think that the rest of the world is rich like they are. 555 What a bunch of jokers. Glad the Hotel owners are smarter than the government. Geezer 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post garyk Posted June 24, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 24, 2020 (edited) 36 minutes ago, Kwaynoom said: We own and manage several ocean front resort condominiums in Maui. Most of these "high-end" tourists wouldn't even go to pre-covid Thailand if you paid them. Thailand is also an agricultural economy and so should understand the concept of reaping what you sow. Thailand is a cheap cheap place to live and visit, it has never been known for high end tourists. I have know a few in Pattaya but very few. Thailand is for backpackers, expats(not so much now), 30 day tourists (China, India) cheap tours. Just a cheap pace to visit. Which makes it attractive to the masses. It used to be a pretty nice place to live and knock around before all the silly rules.. Edited June 24, 2020 by garyk 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChakaKhan Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 13 hours ago, Damrongsak said: They could pump the sewage to the top of The Waterfront Suites and Residence and let it cascade down from floor to floor. Hiso Falls. As long there is a disclaimer that it is NOT a chocolate fountain..no swimming in Hiso Falls...Selfies 300bt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingdong Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 On 6/24/2020 at 1:01 AM, TTSIssues said: That’s a very interesting point - Thail people genuinely believe that Thailand is the best place in the world and they are the best people: all ideas are created there, all the best inventions, they were never colonized because of their power (not because of their geographical location or the fact the then rulers just allowed the British and French in to take what they wanted) very proud nation, but very misguided. never colonised?what about japan in ww2? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post kingdong Posted June 25, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 25, 2020 why would a high end tourist want to go to a third world country with 1st world prices and aspirations? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingdong Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 (edited) 3 hours ago, garyk said: Thailand is a cheap cheap place to live and visit, it has never been known for high end tourists. I have know a few in Pattaya but very few. Thailand is for backpackers, expats(not so much now), 30 day tourists (China, India) cheap tours. Just a cheap pace to visit. Which makes it attractive to the masses. It used to be a pretty nice place to live and knock around before all the silly rules.. yes please barman,i,ll have a pint of whatever garyk,s been drinking. Edited June 25, 2020 by kingdong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moe666 Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 On 6/24/2020 at 7:10 AM, OneeyedJohn said: Where I live is a popular destination for travellers, for the climate, fantastic temples, hill tribe people etc etc, and we have 300 baht guesthouses up to 5000 baht a night hotels like Le Meridien and Dusit Thani, but it doesn't necessarily follow the quality of the Le Meridien visitors is any better than the people staying in a guest house. At least I see no evidence of it when I am out and about. 300 bhat guest house try 150 or 200 packed into a dorm.. Difference in quality I guess you have not stayed in either of your targets. judgeing the quality of your guest is a very subjective quality. If I had my druthers I would be in the La Meridien. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olmate Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 20 minutes ago, kingdong said: never colonised?what about japan in ww2? It took a couple of hrs to get their VOA, no way colonised! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnarth Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 funny years ago us Aussies used to think all poms were high rollers because of the way they talk, money was not included, now even the biggest crim is considered a high roller if he-she has money like politicians Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyk Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 2 hours ago, kingdong said: yes please barman,i,ll have a pint of whatever garyk,s been drinking. Curious what you mean? Do you think Thailand is expensive? I don't drink by the way. Never have. So what is your point if you have one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overherebc Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 I often wonder what the mental image of a 'high-end' tourist is. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred110 Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 14 hours ago, shy coconut said: Are you saying they will get smaller buses? Like the ones for russians Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlandtday Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 (edited) There exists hot spots for the wealthy in Thailand mainly in the larger cities and Phuket. However, the market is quite limited as the wealthy who have other choices must overlook the environmental pollution in Thailand as well as the infrastructure and the anti foreigner sentiment of the government so many will simply to other countries and cities. The wealthy Chinese will either stay at home and work to make more money or go to Singapore or America or Europe they have little desire to sit on Thailand's beaches and be bitten by a rabid dog or step on a broken bottle. Edited June 25, 2020 by tlandtday 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomauasia Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 14 minutes ago, tlandtday said: There exists hot spots for the wealthy in Thailand mainly in the larger cities and Phuket. However, the market is quite limited as the wealthy who have other choices must overlook the environmental pollution in Thailand as well as the infrastructure and the anti foreigner sentiment of the government so many will simply to other countries and cities. The wealthy Chinese will either stay at home and work to make more money or go to Singapore or America or Europe they have little desire to sit on Thailand's beaches and be bitten by a rabid dog or step on a broken bottle. Correct 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post spidermike007 Posted June 25, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 25, 2020 More inane nonsense. What sacrifices are you prepared to make, to attract wealthy tourists? Way too late for that. About 15 years too late. Earth to Pipat. What planet are you living on? Are you aware of why wealthy tourists AVOID Thailand? Here are just a few things you could do, or suggest, if you were a serious man. 1. Get rid of Anutin and submit your own resignation. You are two of the least competent ministers in this hapless administration. You and A need to be replaced with talented people who have real experience in their fields and creative minds. Less xenophobia helps too. 2. Lower luxury taxes to 20%. This would help Thailand to attract some wealthy tourists again. Most wealthy people love to spend real money while on vacation. Contrary to what you think, wealthy foreigners are NOT dumb. They do not enjoy paying for stunningly over priced items, and will wait for their next trip to London, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, Nassau, or Dubai to buy a handbag at what it should cost, rather than what you think foolish people will pay. It is a sacrifice. It would demonstrate you guys are serious, and not just jabbering as usual. 3. Improve traffic safety. 4. Improve immigration service. 5. Get rid of the toxic army. 6. Address corruption. 7. Pay attention to air quality. 8. Stop treating tourists like dogs. This applies to the govt., not the people. That is just a start. I could go on for days. Do not expect the wealthy tourists to return. They come here once, if they come at all. And they do not return for a dozen good reasons like the lack of top quality service, expertise, shopping, English skills, sommelier service, fairly priced world class wine, high standard F & B, high speed transportation options, and on and on and on. I could see why these hoteliers are annoyed with these fools. They do NOT have a plan! 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatOngo Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 32 minutes ago, spidermike007 said: Earth to Pipat. What planet are you living on? Planet Thailand!.....Centre of the universe! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post DrTuner Posted June 25, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 25, 2020 (edited) 34 minutes ago, spidermike007 said: 2. Lower luxury taxes to 20%. This would help Thailand to attract some wealthy tourists again. Most wealthy people love to spend real money while on vacation. Contrary to what you think, wealthy foreigners are NOT dumb. They do not enjoy paying for stunningly over priced items, and will wait for their next trip to London, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, Nassau, or Dubai to buy a handbag at what it should cost, rather than what you think foolish people will pay. It is a sacrifice. It would demonstrate you guys are serious, and not just jabbering as usual. I know you keep advocating this, but I'm one of those that buy the expensive bags for the wives and I would not go to Thailand for them. It's a Big City thing, like NYC, London, Dubai, etc. In Thailand I'd like to have pristine, uncrowded beaches with nearly untouched national parks nearby, with truly five star lodgings and all inclusive deals. It's a beach/nature destination with a local twist IMHO. Of course the mass tourism, pollution, bad service and general wearing out is the opposite of what I like. So I go to Maldives. Edited June 25, 2020 by DrTuner 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herfiehandbag Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 The Tourism Minister chappie was quoted today, in "the other paper" as saying:" full and free travel should become a thing of the past.” Perhaps he does not understand, but no tourists, High end or bottom end, are going to bother coming if "full and free travel should become a “thing of the past.” It really is as simple as that, 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenKadz Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Right now Any Tourist is a "High End" tourist. After a three month lock down with no tourist we lost too much money, now we have to double the prices anyway! Thai Logic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harleyclarkey Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 (edited) 19 hours ago, shy coconut said: The Mauritian lady I was married to was completely bonkers, as was her entire family. The area where her family originated, close to flic en flac was far more edgy than anywhere I have been in Thailand and it was not advisable to go out at night. There are big drug problems on the island among the young and raging alcoholism among the older. A lot of men went to Perth in WA and formed gangs and have brought that culture back home. Like Thailand, if you lock yourself away in a gated community away from all the riff raft, then it is indeed a luxurious retreat and the 5 star resorts are incredible. Also the Chinese influence/control is on the same level as Thailand, they see it as a strategic post in the Indian Ocean and have poured billions into the place. It's a great destination for a holiday, lovely for honeymooners, but I personally couldn't live there. I'm not saying Thailand is better, my rose tinted specs don't hide everything, but given the choice I would take Thailand every time. Hi Shy.....yep. Flic en Flac is for sure a place where, if you like, decent Mauritians do not go. The north coast from Flic en Flac is rough, and don't go to Roches Bois! But all the east coast, the south and South West are lovely and safer. We will base in Tamarin. You also have Riviere Noire, Trou aux Biches, Mom Choisy, etc which are all lovely places to stay or visit. I am not a fan of Grande Baie....just a day visit. I have had, touch wood, no issues in many stays there. They haven't to my knowledge headed to the Chinese for support. The port is being aided by Saudi. Chinese, thankfully, tourists have more than halved due to lack of flights. Long may this continue. More middle eastern tourists are arriving now, who spend huge sums. Crime in Mauritius is low and mostly petty theft. Violent or gun crime is extremely rare. In Thailand it is a daily occurrence. Edited June 25, 2020 by harleyclarkey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geisha Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 5 hours ago, overherebc said: I often wonder what the mental image of a 'high-end' tourist is. Usually very different from what we imagine. Usually very discreet and not bling bling at all. Had a multi millionaire friend of Maggie Thatcher years back , from the laid back way he and wife and kids dressed, you’d never know it. 2 yachts, a mansion here and there etc. Abramovitch is the same, nice normal looking man. Most high class hotels are discreet places where you can swim and eat away from the paparazzi. Then of course you have the party goers who have money and drink hundreds of bottles of champagne in the exclusive clubs. One Russian family has recently taken over a closed 5 star hotel here ( closed for Covid reasons) for him and his family to holiday . Discreet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overherebc Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 24 minutes ago, geisha said: Usually very different from what we imagine. Usually very discreet and not bling bling at all. Had a multi millionaire friend of Maggie Thatcher years back , from the laid back way he and wife and kids dressed, you’d never know it. 2 yachts, a mansion here and there etc. Abramovitch is the same, nice normal looking man. Most high class hotels are discreet places where you can swim and eat away from the paparazzi. Then of course you have the party goers who have money and drink hundreds of bottles of champagne in the exclusive clubs. One Russian family has recently taken over a closed 5 star hotel here ( closed for Covid reasons) for him and his family to holiday . Discreet. I don't think that image is really what they have in mind here. I have a friend in UK who has a couple of factories and his usual dress style is jeans/trainers/Tshirt etc when he goes for a beer. That is not the Thai idea of 'high-end'. If they saw him driving his Bentley they would assume he was a driver for someone. I'm looking for the Thai image of 'high-end' tourists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blumpie Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Thailand's definition of what a high end tourist probably differs from the rest of the world. If it involves going to a restaurant and being showy, shouting, and loud ordering lots of food then that's a high end tourist. I don't know a western version of a high end tourist that would consider that high end behaviour. This high end catch phrase is really catchy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrTuner Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 39 minutes ago, overherebc said: I don't think that image is really what they have in mind here. I have a friend in UK who has a couple of factories and his usual dress style is jeans/trainers/Tshirt etc when he goes for a beer. That is not the Thai idea of 'high-end'. If they saw him driving his Bentley they would assume he was a driver for someone. I'm looking for the Thai image of 'high-end' tourists. I remember Thailand Elite advertising some sort of limo thing with a pair in full suit & dress getup stepping outside to .. Chinatown. Fits real nice with the rats going around your feet. I'm a member of theirs now and I usually sport worn out cargo shorts and where possible no shirt. Reality vs dreams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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