TAT deputy governor dashes hopes of 2020 reopening for Thailand’s international borders

By Marissa Carruthers

 

Thailand’s tourism players eye inbound tourism plan, in lieu of travel bubbles, to prop up tourism; tourists wearing face masks while visiting Wat Ratchabophit in Bangkok, Thailand pictured 

 

Thailand is unlikely to reopen its borders to international leisure visitors this year, predicted a deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

 

Speaking at a webinar hosted by Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and TravelMole, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy governor for international marketing at TAT, said that there has been no talk of or timeline issued for reopening the country to inbound or outbound leisure travel during weekly Covid-19 national meetings.

 

He added that as part of the government’s “very, very cautious” approach to reopening borders, he does not expect Thailand to welcome leisure visitors until 2021.

 

Noted Ayudhya: “I see no signal from the government that the country will open this year. That’s putting lot of pressure on the tourism industry. The Christmas period, usually the high season, is in jeopardy and I’m looking horribly even to Chinese New Year in February, which is an iffy proposition at best now. Unfortunately, this is not a rosy picture.”

 

Full story: https://www.ttgasia.com/2020/08/07/tat-deputy-governor-dashes-hopes-of-2020-reopening-for-thailands-international-borders/

 

-- © Copyright TTG ASIA 2020-08-10

 

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If his prediction is correct, I wouldn't be surprised at all. It's a gross overreaction at this point, and Thailand needs to learn how to live with this virus just like most of the other countries have. Either they don't understand this or they don't have the capacity, resources and facilities to handle domestic infections 

57 minutes ago, webfact said:

The Christmas period, usually the high season, is in jeopardy and I’m looking horribly even to Chinese New Year in February, which is an iffy proposition at best now.

It's my belief that whilst many tourism reliant businesses have gone under, there are far more that are clinging on, using all of their savings and bank loans to limp through to the 'high season' of the X-mas and new year holidays and the belated Chinese New year. IF, this TAT prediction comes true - and I hope it does not as I am stuck outside away from my wife and daughter - then Thailand is about to fall apart big time monetary wise and the tourism industry  will be so devastated that their simply will be no support structure for the amount of tourists the TAT wants later.

 

The PM may find that by the new year with no tourism and no exports and mass closures  the Thai people will rioting more openly. 

 

 

 

I didnt think any other country would ever match the sheer stupidity, manic paranoia and absolute dictatorial nanny state abuse of its "sheeple" than that of my own home country.

 

Amazing Thailand: quickly looking like the lost identical twin of Australia.

43 minutes ago, pookondee said:

I didnt think any other country would ever match the sheer stupidity, manic paranoia and absolute dictatorial nanny state abuse of its "sheeple" than that of my own home country.

I think you're in for a surprise, this is going to be pretty widespread until the disease goes away.

Good move Thailand. I predict border opening mid 2021 and only for low risk countries and totally unrestricted travel mid 2022 or later if ever.. 

If they're not letting tourists in, then I guess that the 26th Sept. deadline for stranded tourists has to be extended as well.

I'm waiting for immigration to say 2020 will be aborted, and see you again in 2021 ????

20 minutes ago, madmen said:

Good move Thailand. I predict border opening mid 2021 and only for low risk countries and totally unrestricted travel mid 2022 or later if ever.. 

Here's the issue with that scenario. Airlines are currently reducing staff, BA getting rid of about 10,000. If it goes on for 2 more years, airlines will simply go bust and nobody will get there. Airlines are already saying if it gets worse mass redundancies are coming. 

 

Two years more of a thai lockdown would lead to riots by the starving, 25% up unemployment, 10-20% of people losing their homes, 30-50% of all businesses moving away to home countries for fear of it happening again. Especially with the Chinese and their bubonic plague now

 

4-5 months we can all handle, you start talking about 30 months and I think joe public will shoot the governments and get on with it.

 

Only winner in this is China - who seems to be taking full advantage of the weak coalition of countries not banning everything Chinese until they change their attitude to the world

 

This will be a disaster for everyone. Not one person will NOT be affected. This is serious, folks.

The overly cautious approach, combined with extreme cowardice on the part of the administration, amounts to sadism. They are inflicting untold pain on the masses and on Thai families with foreign partners. Millions are out of work. 

 

The process should be simplified. Anyone, from any nation should be welcome starting tomorrow. If they are willing to support the economy by paying for quarantine, there is no risk, and only upside. 

 

This appears to be extreme timidity on the part of the small and weak men in charge. And it is grossly unfair to the people in tourism. 

 

Also, Thailand is taking alot for granted. They are assuming they will even be remembered once all the delays are over. That is alot to assume these days. Gone, and maybe forgotten?

 

I predict tourism will never return to it's previous levels, in our lifetime here. Caution and prudence are one thing. Inane stupidity and paralyzing fear is another. 

2 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

If they are willing to support the economy by paying for quarantine, there is no risk, and only upside. 

great, lets pay 2 weeks quarantine and catch it from a migrant worker that didnt

oh well ....  2021 it is. hope China pay dearly for this. 

1 hour ago, rasmus5150 said:

If they're not letting tourists in, then I guess that the 26th Sept. deadline for stranded tourists has to be extended as well.

I'm waiting for immigration to say 2020 will be aborted, and see you again in 2021 ????

Tourists stranded in Thailand, well no they are not, as they can go home on a flight that may be costly, or goes in a circuitous route, and they may end up in quarantine in there own home country, but none the less they can return whence they came.  It may be hard for them to understand that.  However, should they want to stay longer-term then they need to get an extension of stay unless they don't have the money, well then at that point it is time to go. Extensions can not go on forever.  

1 hour ago, RichardColeman said:

Only winner in this is China - who seems to be taking full advantage of the weak coalition of countries not banning everything Chinese until they change their attitude to the world

And the virus came from......

3 hours ago, Mung said:

If his prediction is correct, I wouldn't be surprised at all. It's a gross overreaction at this point, and Thailand needs to learn how to live with this virus just like most of the other countries have. Either they don't understand this or they don't have the capacity, resources and facilities to handle domestic infections 

I agree, they need to manage within their own walls how to live with the virus and get domestic economy moving, however people are not going to be taking trips anyway no matter what they do to their own borders.

 

The Thai tourism model is built on high-volume, low price.

 

Unless you're willing to deal with ~ 30-ish million tourists, it's a waste of time and energy.

 

And who the heck wants to go on vacation to Thailand right now? Some would opt for a cruise first.

 

That whole "tourist bubble" thing was a non-starter. Who's idiot nephew cam up with that idea?

 

On the plus side: the environment is bouncing back brilliantly.

 

Until there's vaccine, or the virus simply "goes away" (I'm waving my tiny hand with a downward flourish), I wouldn't be investing in the tourism business.

 

2 hours ago, pookondee said:

Amazing Thailand: quickly looking like the lost identical twin of Australia.

 

I think nine out of ten ASEAN countries remain closed to tourists.

 

New Zealand is often sited as a model for doing things properly. Pretty sure they're still closed too.

 

 

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1 hour ago, RichardColeman said:

Here's the issue with that scenario. Airlines are currently reducing staff, BA getting rid of about 10,000. If it goes on for 2 more years, airlines will simply go bust and nobody will get there. Airlines are already saying if it gets worse mass redundancies are coming. 

 

Two years more of a thai lockdown would lead to riots by the starving, 25% up unemployment, 10-20% of people losing their homes, 30-50% of all businesses moving away to home countries for fear of it happening again. Especially with the Chinese and their bubonic plague now

 

4-5 months we can all handle, you start talking about 30 months and I think joe public will shoot the governments and get on with it.

 

Only winner in this is China - who seems to be taking full advantage of the weak coalition of countries not banning everything Chinese until they change their attitude to the world

 

not sure what you expect countries to do to China. They didn't do this on purpose, it is a virus not a nuclear bomb. You sound like a typical American with nothing in his "International relationship toolbox" other than a pair of steel boots and a hammer. China has all the money and power these days because the west exploited the cheap labour, boosting their bottom lines and shutting factories in their own countries. Now China are the most powerful nation on Earth and many don't like it,, well tough really. Any excuse to boycott them is simply an extension of the fear and hate of the power they have, nothing to do with the virus.

Finally for TAT....someone has visited the fortune teller, that for once, amazingly, told the truth.

2 hours ago, pookondee said:

I didnt think any other country would ever match the sheer stupidity, manic paranoia and absolute dictatorial nanny state abuse of its "sheeple" than that of my own home country.

 

Amazing Thailand: quickly looking like the lost identical twin of Australia.

Rubbish.

It looks nothing like Australia ...

Here in Thailand one can still travel State to State, and has NO INFECTIONS  because it wont kowtow to  pressure  from arm chair viroligists like yourself  ...

https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp/photos/a.523591701005345/3369087779789042/

 

7 minutes ago, GAZZPA said:

not sure what you expect countries to do to China. They didn't do this on purpose

Didn't they? It surely benefits them in many ways.

18 minutes ago, GAZZPA said:

Now China are the most powerful nation on Earth

I get your overall point but this specific line is clearly not accurate.

The US alone remains significantly economically & militarily superior to China.

Add in NATO/EU/UK as part of any possible alliance, and China is totally out powered.

Going to hell in a handcart -Thai tourism ! The irony is it will make no difference opening borders now,later this year or in 6 months time ! The virus is a fact ! LeT Thailand suffer ...  Of course it won't be the HiSo well off who will .. as always 

All for a virus most don't even know they have or need to go get tested for because the symptoms are minor or zero.

 

CRAZY !!

 

People losing everything day by day i see trouble BIG trouble ahead!!   

30 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

The overly cautious approach, combined with extreme cowardice on the part of the administration, amounts to sadism. They are inflicting untold pain on the masses and on Thai families with foreign partners. Millions are out of work. 

 

The process should be simplified. Anyone, from any nation should be welcome starting tomorrow.

Sorry Mr USA, no thankyou. We have no infection local case 75 days already. We beat covid, not want be same USA.

Schools open, factorys open, plaza open, inside restaurants, weddings, etc etc. We live again. 

 

Only thing is border not open. Why we want this people come in? Argue about mask, anti vax, anti social distance, anti tracing app. Idiots. 

 

More people die your country every 4 hour than TOTAL Thailand.

 

Other countrys start lockdown again. Because they stupid. Open before they control. 

 

I loose money because covid. I not angry thai government. (About covid). 

 

But I angry so much other countrys covIDIOTS, maskholes, anti vaxxer loons. 

 

Fighting each other black and white, lefty and hard right etc etc. 

 

30 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

 

 

If they are willing to support the economy by paying for quarantine, there is no risk, and only upside. 

 

Who pay?

 

30 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

 

This appears to be extreme timidity on the part of the small and weak men in charge. And it is grossly unfair to the people in tourism. 

Like Spain? Open two week, must close again.

 

 

 

30 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

 

Also, Thailand is taking alot for granted. They are assuming they will even be remembered once all the delays are over. That is alot to assume these days. Gone, and maybe forgotten?

Thai should die because USA selfish guy want holiday? Pffft.

Thailand be remembered for 

Thailand ranked highest in a global survey for its effective handling of Covid-19 and recovery from the crisis. The Global Covid-19 Index (GCI), published yesterday (July 28), gave Thailand an index score of 82.06, putting it on top of the global chart as an example of best practices in tackling the dreaded virus.

Link 

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30392083

 

USA remembered for? How many want go USA for holiday now? High covid, riot and looting, police killing, mass shooting etc etc

 

30 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

 

I predict tourism will never return to it's previous levels, in our lifetime here. Caution and prudence are one thing. Inane stupidity and paralyzing fear is another. 

Good. 40 million every year to many. 

Damage nature to much. 

 

I be so so happy if covid finish tomorrow in the world same thailand. Thailand win covid in 5 weeks. 

 

Because 99% people follow the rule. If other countrys 30% refuse the rule, covid will win, sure. Forever.

I not want this selfish people come thailand for holiday. For what? Spread = close factorys, restaurants, plaza, schools etc etc again? 

 

Nobody starving Thailand. We have lot food. We help each other.

 

i have good idea. Everyone in USA wear mask, wash hands, social distance, tracing app, lockdown 5 weeks. You be control covid. 

THEN you be welcome thailand. We not want your virus. For what?

 

Many TVF member anti mask, anti vax, anti tracing app, anti social distance. I not want foreigner with selfish behavior now. Refuse listen. Care themself. One guy say he will pay the nurse throw away vaccine, not take it. 

For what?

 

 

 

 

 

 

20 minutes ago, zaZa9 said:

Rubbish.

It looks nothing like Australia ...

Here in Thailand one can still travel State to State, and has NO INFECTIONS  because it wont kowtow to  pressure  from arm chair viroligists like yourself  ...

https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp/photos/a.523591701005345/3369087779789042/

 

Has no infections?you need to follow the gov officials daily diatribe and learn something 

Well I said it in numerous posts over the last several weeks. "The realisation they are in trouble will hit in December" or words to that effect.  Well it appears December has come early at TAT!

 

One could argue the biggest problem is how those at the top have handled the whole pandemic.  But their performance in the lead up to the pandemic was far from stella.  The way the country has been run since 2014 could by some measures be described as adequate when the opportunity was there to move the country forward and improve the lot of ordinary Thai's.  The warning sign for me was the trend for large companies to build new or relocate factories in other countries.  A couple of years back Toyota built their mini production line in Indosnesia, Panasonic recently move some production to Vietnam.  Not a lot of progress with the EEC!

 

It would appear the engineer at the throttle missed the red signal and is heading straight for that stationary freight train.....

 

 

8 minutes ago, zaZa9 said:

Rubbish.

It looks nothing like Australia ...

Here in Thailand one can still travel State to State, and has NO INFECTIONS  because it wont kowtow to  pressure  from arm chair viroligists like yourself  ...

https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp/photos/a.523591701005345/3369087779789042/

 

Absolutely correct, travel in country can still be accomplished and fairly cheaply. Just finished a nice trip to Phuket, where even with flights, a rental car, and an all inclusive hotel package in a 5 star location was about 1/3rd of the cost previous to Covid. Rather enjoyable as the roads were fairly empty except during peak times.  However my trip was also to see a few friends who own Muay Thai studios and found that they are suffering without the 2 to 4 week training tourists arriving and the locals that train with them have limited resources as well. Many restaurants have closed, and we had Big Buddah to basically ourselves. A few other friends who work and live in Phuket can survive maybe 5 to 6 months more on there savings, while others are flat broke and have gone under and are now awaiting flights and are headed home because of the issues at hand. Luckily we were also able to stock up there pantries and refrigerators before we left. It is sad to see good people hurting.  Landlords have called in debts and are evicting people through courts there. Banks will no longer give them loans as they have not been able to repay the previous loans.

Mung, back last year I visited a thai gov't hospital to visit a family member of my partner and could see the overcrowding and lack of facilities. I doubt any emergency facilities have been constructed if the virus got out of control.

34 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

The Thai tourism model is built on high-volume, low price.

 

Unless you're willing to deal with ~ 30-ish million tourists, it's a waste of time and energy.

 

BS

Only 30+ million since three year ago. 

Successful before that.

 

34 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

 

On the plus side: the environment is bouncing back brilliantly.

 

 

Agree