Thailand must welcome back Chinese tourists now says leading tourism chief

[ThaiFelix]

I nearly fell off my chair with laughter when I opened the latest ThaiVisa newsletter and the headline read:

 

Thailand must welcome back Chinese tourists now says leading tourism chief; Seventy five tourists evacuated as sightseeing boat sinks in the Chao Praya

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And this two days after the Koh Samui ferry sank!!   

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[Madeline Thompson]

9 hours ago, madmitch said:

Totally disagree with you.

 

Foreign tourism is necessary to boost the economy. What's tthe point if most of the money is going elsewhere?

If there is no money in Chinese tourism for Thailand, then the rules need to be changed a bit so it benefits both countries. Yes?  Foreign tourism is essential to Thailand. Fear of a second wave of covid is spreading rapidly but all the information I've heard, from non-manipulative sources, is declaring it a weakened virus with normal flu-like attributes. 

[Stadtler]

6 minutes ago, infrequentflyer said:

With sincere respect, urging Chinese visitors is tantamount to inviting Covid-19...the plague of this century.  The virus originated in China, was ignored by the Chinese government and allowed to spread to the rest of humanity.  Is ANY other country soliciting Chinese tourists? No.

They aren't welcome in North Korea!

[LivinLOS]

8 hours ago, RotBenz8888 said:

They want best of both worlds. Tourist money is welcome but not the tourists themselves. A tricky one. 

Sounds like standard view point for at least the last few decades.. 

[Liss Camber]

50'000 Thai Bath each...??? What for...for the tourist agencies in China? For sure not by spending in restaurants or other places. They purchase food and cook at home (in rented apartments or villas), leaving garbage everywhere and places often in a disgusting way. There are a few well educated Chinese I've met, having really good manners and knowing well how to behave. If those were flooding Thailand I'd be happy. 

[Letseng]

9 hours ago, CelticBhoy said:

"Much of the money ends up abroad and not in the hands of Thais."

 

Greed in full view here. Unbelievable comment .... ????

 

No different to other countries.

Why do Schengen countries allow Brits and Dutch in? Luckily no Swedes. All about money. Was in town this morning. No different before Covid. Place is packed, Chinese haven't arrived yet.

[fraggleRock]

Each daily new tourist chief is more ludicrous and dumber than the previous, Thailand now is like a bent over isaan pattaya prostitute with its knickers down and no takers.   An embarrassment to south east asia..  no ones coming, stupid... like many, Im shipping out after 16 years.... Philippines is much better... 

[lee b]

Its just us us and only us. Can't let anyone else have a peice of the pie.

[Blumpie]

Absolute rubbish.  China will never allow its citizens to travel and bring Covid back to China shutting down the #2 economy.

This guy is about as smart as a dead cockroach.  

[Max69xl]

10 hours ago, anchadian said:

If and when the Chinese do come flooding back, will they be required to undergo a 14 day quarantine at their own expense?

 

No, I didn't think so.

That depends on when they open up for tourism and lift the still ongoing emergency decree. Never listen to what a boss at any tourism agency says. They don't live in the real world. 

[my friend you]

10 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

I posted this in another thread, but i think it is relevant to this discussion as well. BTW, a better statement from the tourism guy is to let long-term people in rather than a country-specific group.

 

I think it is time for Thailand to re-evaluate its Virus Response policy.

 

Thailand has been following a 'Zero-Tolerance' policy, but I think it is time to move to a 'Managed-Tolerance' policy. I make this suggestion based mainly on two factors; I think it is inevitable that the virus will return to Thailand and a calm, managed response is more effective than hysteria. Secondly, the economic damage being done to millions is more harmful than the virus itself and needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

 

We recently saw new cases in Vietnam, and I think that we are going to see new cases in Thailand soon; like most people I take the government's claim of zero cases with a grain of salt, although it seems like they have done a very good job overall. However, I don't think it can last. A better policy is to prepare, both medically and in terms of public opinion/education, for the return of the virus. Is this a radical idea? No, not really. Members will recall the phrase "flatten the curve", but perhaps a reminder is needed that the idea is to manage the virus so that the health system isn't overwhelmed; a policy of Zero Tolerance is incompatible with an open society and/or open economy. It is time to re-enforce the precautions needed, but also to allow for an economic re-start which includes outsiders/foreigners. A final point; humanity's best minds and a boat-load of resources are being thrown at the problem. This global effort, propelled by the power of competition, is expected to produce a vaccine either this year or early next year while treatments are being developed and refined daily; we as a species are going to beat this scourge, and relatively soon.

 

The economic damage being done to Thailand is immense. Yes, I know that we don't hear about it too much, but there is a reason for that. The people talking in the (not quite free) Media are almost all in a 'Virus-Proof' economic situation; they aren't directly affected so they don't feel the urgency of fixing the problem. Firm numbers are difficult to come by, but it seems around 6-9 million Thais are very badly hurt by the economic fall-out of the virus, and those people need to be both helped and heard. The damage done to these people is egregious and growing worse; some government support is being withdrawn, the option of 'Go Back to the Farm' isn't really possible anymore (and not a great idea regardless), and they will soon need more food and rent support to survive. Further, many aren't well-educated and don't have transferable skills, so their options are limited. Finally, even before Covid-19, their economic situation was in decline; it is in free-fall now and they can't be ignored. Simply put, plans for their economic regeneration must to be formulated now and implemented soon.

 

When people are hungry, all bets are off.

 

How to proceed?

 

It is the beginning of August; continue/speed up the current repatriation policy 'as is', but ramp up the public education aspect of change. Announce that by October 1st (perhaps Nov. 1st?) that the airspace around Thailand will be open to commercial air travel, long-term tourists (Snow-Birds who 'winter' here), remaining residents and retirees will be allowed to return with a few restrictions (test before boarding or on arrival, reasonable insurance, self-isolation at home on arrival, etc. BUT no mandatory state quarantine), implement common sense visa issuance (sorry Floridians and Texans!) and most of all prepare the Thai people for the idea that although there will be cases of the virus, they will be managed, and the benefits of re-opening are a risk worth taking. Yes, the end of mandatory state quarantine is essential if this is going to work; I believe that the long-term visitors will respect the self-isolation policy and Thailand's million strong public health volunteers can monitor them, but they won't come if they are going to be locked up. Moreover, the selection of the residents/retirees and 'Snow-Birds' as an initial group isn't accidental; these people already know the Kingdom and understand life within it, are good 'testers' of a new system, have a lot of money to spend, and can be excellent examples of a working policy of re-opening. Finally, allowing these kinds of visitors would build confidence, test whether short-term tourists could actually visit (I think not yet, but...), and help protect the tourism infrastructure from further and/or irreparable damage.

 

There are those who will argue that it is better to keep the borders closed and wait this out, and I honestly have trouble arguing against that idea (I don't want to catch the <deleted> thing). However, those who make that point rarely take the next step; what do you do with the 6-9 million people damaged by the current policy? Will those that advocate for closed borders take in homeless people? If so, how many? One family? Two families? Three? Will those that advocate for closed borders give up a percentage of their salaries/pensions to help? If so, how much? 25%? 35%? 45%? Will those that advocate for closed borders pay school fees and related costs for all the children of unemployed/underemployed parents? How many kids? One? Five? Twenty? The question isn't merely an intellectual exercise, it has real-world implications and consequences. 

 

If you want those 6-9 million people to sacrifice for you, what are you going to sacrifice for them?

 

To sum up, I think that the question of whether or not to keep the border closed is incomplete. The question should be: if you keep the border closed, then what will you do for the 6-9 million people economically-eviscerated by the response to the virus? Opening the Kingdom to visitors in November for the high season would likely see a few cases of the virus, but the Thai medical system can handle that (it did before, right?) until a vaccine is widely available. It would begin the process of re-starting the tourism industry in Thailand (20% of GDP!!!), begin the process of building trust again, re-start the employment of huge numbers, give Thailand a 'leg up' on future tourism business in the region, and alleviate some of the damage done to the poorest in the Kingdom. The alternative is a policy of rot, idleness, atrophy and decline with an indefinite timeline. 

 

History is replete with examples of people hiding behind walls for protection, but it rarely ever works (especially against something the size of a virus); see the 'Maginot Line', the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall, and more. History shows that a combination of pro-active tactics coupled with reasonable, layered defenses provides a better outcome to almost any problem.

 

Bodoh, your comment may be too intelligent for some to understand ???? but you are absolutely right. Pass it on to each member of the government if that's possible at all,

get it translated into Thai and post it where ever possible in the media.

Finland has canceled all restrictions today. I would not call the Finland government unscientific idiots. Thai government should take a look around and study other countries' approach and evaluate doctors' and epidemologists' opinion around the world to benefit from their research.

[teacherclaire]

The pandemic has left the Chinese largely friendless around the world and it's time that Thailand's "special relationship" with the Chinese was resumed.

 

Of course. More viruses and in pool spitting people, please.

Building a huge wall around China and calling it "The Great Wall of China", would be a great idea. 

 

Thailand go for it. When will they realize that most Thais basically work for Chinese people and get paid peanuts?

 

Poor bats. 

 

 

 

Edited August 3, 2020 by teacherclaire

[Sametboy2019]

49 minutes ago, Blumpie said:

Absolute rubbish.  China will never allow its citizens to travel and bring Covid back to China shutting down the #2 economy.

This guy is about as smart as a dead cockroach.  

Exactly. China has imposed 2wk quarantine on returning citizens and will do in the foreseeable future.

Thailand would be better off allowing anybody who wants to or is allowed to come as the pickings will be slim for a while yet.

[Calvin1976]

12 minutes ago, teacherclaire said:

The pandemic has left the Chinese largely friendless around the world and it's time that Thailand's "special relationship" with the Chinese was resumed.

 

"Special Relationship" with China??? 

Let's compare with this... 

Which one would be a higher risk??? 

[Paul DS]

"The pandemic has left the Chinese largely friendless around the world and it's time that Thailand's "special relationship" with the Chinese was resumed.  "

 

Yes, thats right no one wants them.....except Thailand!

 

I wonder why?

[AgMech Cowboy]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

A leading tourism chief has said that it is time Thailand opens up again to foreign tourists and Chinese tourists in particular. 

Idiot!!

[nong38]

A bunch of cheap Charlies bringing more virus issues, some of these people are so stupid they are considered interlectual by people who know nothing and put them in a place where they do damage. A transfer is called for.

[Rockbottom]

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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday urged Chinese investors to return to the kingdom now the coronavirus situation in both countries has largely subsided, saying the Thai government will fully support them, according to officials. LINK

Surawat is mimicking his puppet master. This is code for PURE POLITICS trickling down from the "bromance" between the PM and Xi. If you follow the previously ratified BIG money "action plan" that includes tourism, you'll end up at the door of the PM's office. As Thailand becomes increasingly more discriminatory with foreign tourists other than Chinese, the tourist industry will soon take a major financial hit as foreigners will stop coming. 

 

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The pandemic has left the Chinese largely friendless around the world and it's time that Thailand's "special relationship" with the Chinese was resumed.

 

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China appreciates Thailand's active participation in the Belt and Road initiative and is willing to work with Thailand to implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Promotion of the Belt and Road Construction and the next five years Strategic Cooperation Action Plan and to strengthen cooperation in areas of investment, railways, internet finance, the digital economy and e-commerce, Xi said.

The Chinese president called for more people-to-people exchanges, close interactions in tourism and local regions, and strengthened law enforcement and security especially in anti-terrorism operations. LINK

 

China's cover-up of COVID-19 and forced secrecy of the virus by exterminating dissenting scientists is criminal. Clearly allowing infected Chinese to seed the globe is reprehensible and disgusting and China should be held accountable. But Thailand's manic obsession for money at all costs will cost them dearly if they indeed open for Chinese tourists and not others.

 

Thailand will be living out of Xi's pocket soon:

 

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During the call with Mr Xi, Gen Prayut also shared Thailand's experience in handling the outbreak with the Chinese leader and praised him for managing the outbreak in China. 

 

[Stadtler]

12 hours ago, CelticBhoy said:

"Much of the money ends up abroad and not in the hands of Thais."

 

Greed in full view here. Unbelievable comment .... ????

 

What's wrong with this comment?  The money from tourism is supposed to stay in Thailand.  How is that greed?  It matters not because the virus is not contained in China.  Keep them out.  Full stop.

 

Edited August 3, 2020 by Stadtler

[samsensam]

29 minutes ago, nong38 said:

A bunch of cheap Charlies bringing more virus issues, some of these people are so stupid they are considered interlectual by people who know nothing and put them in a place where they do damage. A transfer is called for.

 

interlectual

 

oh, how i love irony ????

[Maestro]

Removed some troll posts (unintelligible)

[Dialemco]

So many selfish comments Thai Tourist Company Boss acting in his capacity as a Government Official  calling for Chinese to be allowed into Thailand to feather his own nest. Of course all Tourist to be encouraged to come to Thailand but must wait until neighbouring countries decide to open up again to Tourism which not the case at the moment and then only when reasonable safe measures in place. No one really knows how much money is spent by tourists per capita into Thai economy. For me I have been visiting Thailand for last 30 years but try to spend my hard earned cash directly into the hands of Thai People in cash which they appreciate and reciprocate by taking good care of me so we all have a happy time and they can put food for their families on the table and take care of their Children. Now these poor people are unemployed and without money so what will happen to them as they are now getting desperate that no one cares this is becoming a very serious risk to stability and civil unrest which must be averted before it is too late

[Selatan]

10 minutes ago, Dialemco said:

So many selfish comments Thai Tourist Company Boss acting in his capacity as a Government Official  calling for Chinese to be allowed into Thailand to feather his own nest. Of course all Tourist to be encouraged to come to Thailand but must wait until neighbouring countries decide to open up again to Tourism which not the case at the moment and then only when reasonable safe measures in place. No one really knows how much money is spent by tourists per capita into Thai economy. For me I have been visiting Thailand for last 30 years but try to spend my hard earned cash directly into the hands of Thai People in cash which they appreciate and reciprocate by taking good care of me so we all have a happy time and they can put food for their families on the table and take care of their Children. Now these poor people are unemployed and without money so what will happen to them as they are now getting desperate that no one cares this is becoming a very serious risk to stability and civil unrest which must be averted before it is too late

Now I understand why you farangs want the Chinese to be kept out so badly - so that Thailand's sex tourism sector could continue to thrive.

If more and more Chinese tourists come to Thailand for sightseeing, shopping and for the food, there is less need for poor Thai women to prostitute themselves.

[Selatan]

4 hours ago, dave moir said:

Chinese come and go to places Chinese own! The money made goes straight back to China Thailand hardly get a bean!

And all those farangs here that truly believed that Thailand gets nothing must be real idiots.

[Stadtler]

3 minutes ago, Selatan said:

Now I understand why you farangs want the Chinese to be kept out so badly - so that Thailand's sex tourism sector could continue to thrive.

If more and more Chinese tourists come to Thailand for sightseeing, shopping and for the food, there is less need for poor Thai women to prostitute themselves.

Farang is a derogatory description.  Full stop, Stadtler has written.

 

You are out of line.  Your comments are appalling and don't deserve a response. 

 

Stadtler gives you one anyway.

[JohnFlory]

8 hours ago, CNXexpat said:

All the places where the cases are increasing and are on a high level?! These countries will be the last one on Thailand´s list.

 

Well, if you go in normal times in the Hilton or Siam@Siam hotels (and other expensive ones) you will see many of Chinese there. They come to famous Pattaya, look the Walking Street (like many tourists visit the red light district in by example Amsterdam without leaving money) and go to the islands. 

Perhaps the Uyghers from the North West of China could come. They probably don't have Covid in the concentration camps.

[Selatan]

6 hours ago, Steven77110 said:

Are you serious letting the Chinese back in first when it was them who started this pandemic and kept quiet about it... seems the Thai Government is more interested in the money 

I wondered who started this pandemic and kept quiet about it. Look at this July 2019 news:
 

 

[Stadtler]

2 minutes ago, JohnFlory said:

Perhaps the Uyghers from the North West of China could come. They probably don't have Covid in the concentration camps.

Stadtler muses to Stadtler that the Falung Gong likely don't have it either.  Surely, the Communist Chinese keep their victims in good health until they kill them for the organs they sell. 

 

In America we have the Make a Wish Foundation.  They grant vacations for children dying of cancer, etc .. maybe a chapter can be opened here in Thailand so those who are going to die of their organ donation might get a last trip to Thailand.

[rabas]

Not good.  Vietnam was much cleaner than Thailand until last week when they reported a large outbreak of 200 cases on Denang. The health minister said it a much more infectious strain with R0 near 6.0 instead of the normal 1.8-2.2. They just removed 800,000 people in a effort to stop it.  It has spread to Hanoi. Local authorities suspect a large number of Chinese in Denang who recently entered the county illegally could be the source.

 

If it is a fast spreading strain, it could hit Thailand the same say.

 

Reuters: Vietnam says origin of Danang outbreak hard to track as virus cases rise

Edited August 3, 2020 by rabas

[bubba]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

The pandemic has left the Chinese largely friendless around the world

I suppose the pandemic has resulted in China losing some friends around the world. Had they been more honest, forthright and transparent in reporting and containing the first cases in Wuhan, the world would be a very different place for all of us now.