Phuket: The wait for the return of foreign tourists goes on as more businesses close

[webfact]

Phuket: The wait for the return of foreign tourists goes on as more businesses close

 

Picture: Thai PBS

 

Media Thai PBS went to Patong on the island of Phuket and found the place deserted and in desperate need of foreign tourists.

 

Court closure notices were outside hotels and assets had been seized. 

 

Just a few traders were milling about and some shops were open.

 

But tourism was at least 90% down and occupancy at hotels was similarly at only 10%.

 

The media said that the government was promoting Thai domestic tourism but that was pointless for Patong. 

 

They rely on foreign tourists and Thai tourists go elsewhere. 

 

"Patong is not a destination for Thais," said boutique hotel owner Pimphisaporn. Some of the bigger hotels were able to attract people for meals but they were unable to do even that.

 

 

The government had said people must diversify but that was not something small business owners could do and besides that took investment money that they didn't have. 

 

It was inevitable that more businesses would close, said a business leader. Only 100 were left open out of 400.

 

The rest had shut because they couldn't stay afloat. 

 

How long the remaining could hold on for the return of foreign tourists was the question. 

 

Many more would go under long before that happened, the media reported. 

 

Source: Thai PBS

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2020-09-10

 

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[petermik]

It was only the other day a topic on here mentioned 200 flights per day bringing an average of 7000 folk to the Island....something wrong somewhere methinks

[baansgr]

It's the world over...and it ain't gonna get any better soon...Phuket, Pattaya etc will take years to even be a shadow of their former selfes.

[spidermike007]

This hapless administration needs to develop some courage and initiative. They can't hide from the world forever. Extreme timidity from supposedly tough men is an amusing thing to witness. However, the pain they are inflicting on millions is not. ALL people from ALL nations should be welcome starting tomorrow. If you are willing to endure quarantine, no restrictions whatsoever. No begging of a consulate for permission to visit. That is nonsensical stupidity. Where is the dignity or common sense in that?

 

There are alot of expats who continue to support their local establishments, and it is just enough for them to remain in business. Some domestic tourists are picking up the slack. Otherwise, the nation is hurting. Some places seem to be thriving, while most are just hanging on. Spending is way, way down. Income is way, way down. Government assistance and creative programs to help the lower income majority, is virtually non existent. So, where is all of this going to lead when they cannot even agree to let ANY and ALL foreigners in, who are willing to pay for, and subject themselves to quarantine? Such timidity and a stunning lack of courage on the part of the administration. So weak. So incompetent. My heart goes out to the average Thai. 

 

One thing is for certain. The longer they wait to normalize tourism, the fewer people will come back. The masses have a short memory. It is my prediction that tourism will not recover even close to it's former levels here, within our lifetimes. Although that is a good thing for most of us, it is a tragedy for millions of Thais working in the industry. 

Edited September 10, 2020 by spidermike007

[JusticeGB]

The Government's priority is to keep the numbers down to make Thailand a safe country for tourists. It's second priority is to ensure that no infected person can come and that everyone coming must prove to the Thai people that they are not infected. These two aims are diametrically opposed so tourists won't come as they don't want the bureaucratic hassle of paperwork in order to come and the compulsory 2 weeks of effective jail time in an expensive hotel.

[bluesofa]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The wait for the return of foreign tourists goes on

I can't but help seeing this as a nature programme probably presented by David Attenborough sitting in a hide, whispering.

[khunphil]

2 hours ago, petermik said:

It was only the other day a topic on here mentioned 200 flights per day bringing an average of 7000 folk to the Island....something wrong somewhere methinks

I think this can be quite true, as I was on a long week-end flight BKK to Phuket-Patong 1 month ago. BUT they will not go to Patong/Kata/Karon, which are ghost towns. Meaning ... no restaurant or easy to buy Thai food (Luckily they can buy Panda and Grab food), and also in Thai mind, a "bad"reputation of drunks and noisy people. I can imagine some northern beaches, near airport, attracts more Thai people. But the BKK-HKT A320 was full .

By the way, Rawai was living, restaurant, coffee shops.

Phil.

 

Edited September 10, 2020 by khunphil
Kata not Kara

[biggles45]

"and that everyone coming must prove to the Thai people that they are not infected." 

Not if they are returning Thais tho. 

[sammieuk1]

At least they still have a hat maker and a flour trader milling about by the sound of it ????

[stuarty]

4 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

At least they still have a hat maker and a flour trader milling about by the sound of it ????

Care to elaborate or provide more clues?

[laocowboy2]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This hapless administration needs to develop some courage and initiative. They can't hide from the world forever. Extreme timidity from supposedly tough men is an amusing thing to witness. However, the pain they are inflicting on millions is not. ALL people from ALL nations should be welcome starting tomorrow. If you are willing to endure quarantine, no restrictions whatsoever. No begging of a consulate for permission to visit. That is nonsensical stupidity. Where is the dignity or common sense in that?

 

There are alot of expats who continue to support their local establishments, and it is just enough for them to remain in business. Some domestic tourists are picking up the slack. Otherwise, the nation is hurting. Some places seem to be thriving, while most are just hanging on. Spending is way, way down. Income is way, way down. Government assistance and creative programs to help the lower income majority, is virtually non existent. So, where is all of this going to lead when they cannot even agree to let ANY and ALL foreigners in, who are willing to pay for, and subject themselves to quarantine? Such timidity and a stunning lack of courage on the part of the administration. So weak. So incompetent. My heart goes out to the average Thai. 

 

One thing is for certain. The longer they wait to normalize tourism, the fewer people will come back. The masses have a short memory. It is my prediction that tourism will not recover even close to it's former levels here, within our lifetimes. Although that is a good thing for most of us, it is a tragedy for millions of Thais working in the industry. 

In my case, I live in a country (Cyprus) with no Thai embassy or consulate. I would be happy to quarantine but cannot do the paperwork even though I have a Thai wife - and Cyprus has very little Covid-19

[Boomer6969]

14 minutes ago, laocowboy2 said:

In my case, I live in a country (Cyprus) with no Thai embassy or consulate. I would be happy to quarantine but cannot do the paperwork even though I have a Thai wife - and Cyprus has very little Covid-19

You are out of you mind, why would you come to a country where a minor misdemeanour, such as handling a sea slug, gets you into jail for weeks, to be deported and separated from your family. This is a fact and a reflection of the pervasive xenophobia against westerners in Thailand. We aren't missed here, our money is, and only by a minority.

[bluesofa]

37 minutes ago, stuarty said:

42 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

At least they still have a hat maker and a flour trader milling about by the sound of it ????

Care to elaborate or provide more clues?

It's jobs prohibited to foreigners.

[spidermike007]

6 minutes ago, Boomer6969 said:

You are out of you mind, why would you come to a country where a minor misdemeanour, such as handling a sea slug, gets you into jail for weeks, to be deported and separated from your family. This is a fact and a reflection of the pervasive xenophobia against westerners in Thailand. We aren't missed here, our money is, and only by a minority.

Sounds like you had some rough times here. This is an entirely subjective topic, of course. But some of us live very good lives here. Some of us have been fortunate enough to find an outstanding woman, who is delightful to be around, on a daily basis, always has our back, and is fun, smart, and lovely. For me, that likelihood of finding that back in the US, would be very low. So, that is a big factor for me.

 

The second factor is just the quality of life. Sure, I miss alot of the culture back home. The theatre, independent film (which I can download here with no issues at all, and a super fast 550mbps fiber optic connection, at under 800 baht per month!), stand up comedy, live jazz, etc. But I have a lovely home that I rent, for about 10% of what I would pay in California, I live very well on an income which is not huge, have access to great health care, at a tiny fraction of what it costs in the US, and do not have to put up with alot of the aggravation that I had to when I lived back there. I would not want to move back there, unless I was either being paid a million dollars a year, or the situation was dire.

[KarenBravo]

41 minutes ago, stuarty said:

Care to elaborate or provide more clues?

Well.....that went over a couple of heads.

 

It's a pun, in fact two puns on the word "milling".

Flour trader = Miller.

Hat maker = Millinery.

[soalbundy]

3 hours ago, baansgr said:

It's the world over...and it ain't gonna get any better soon...Phuket, Pattaya etc will take years to even be a shadow of their former selfes.

They could just put up the prices to make good the shortfall, these people have no idea.

[robertson468]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This hapless administration needs to develop some courage and initiative. They can't hide from the world forever. Extreme timidity from supposedly tough men is an amusing thing to witness. However, the pain they are inflicting on millions is not. ALL people from ALL nations should be welcome starting tomorrow. If you are willing to endure quarantine, no restrictions whatsoever. No begging of a consulate for permission to visit. That is nonsensical stupidity. Where is the dignity or common sense in that?

 

There are alot of expats who continue to support their local establishments, and it is just enough for them to remain in business. Some domestic tourists are picking up the slack. Otherwise, the nation is hurting. Some places seem to be thriving, while most are just hanging on. Spending is way, way down. Income is way, way down. Government assistance and creative programs to help the lower income majority, is virtually non existent. So, where is all of this going to lead when they cannot even agree to let ANY and ALL foreigners in, who are willing to pay for, and subject themselves to quarantine? Such timidity and a stunning lack of courage on the part of the administration. So weak. So incompetent. My heart goes out to the average Thai. 

 

One thing is for certain. The longer they wait to normalize tourism, the fewer people will come back. The masses have a short memory. It is my prediction that tourism will not recover even close to it's former levels here, within our lifetimes. Although that is a good thing for most of us, it is a tragedy for millions of Thais working in the industry. 

"It is my prediction that tourism will not recover even close to it's former levels here, within our lifetimes."  A sadly and overstated comment in my opinion.  When the Tsunami created havoc in Phuket many years ago, the predictions were that Phuket would never recover and even if it did the Tourists would not return.  Last year they had more Tourists than ever.  Sugest you grow a pair and start being positive, with due respect! 

[Chassa]

5 minutes ago, robertson468 said:

"It is my prediction that tourism will not recover even close to it's former levels here, within our lifetimes."  A sadly and overstated comment in my opinion.  When the Tsunami created havoc in Phuket many years ago, the predictions were that Phuket would never recover and even if it did the Tourists would not return.  Last year they had more Tourists than ever.  Sugest you grow a pair and start being positive, with due respect! 

I don't remember a world-wide tsnami!

[Jimbo2014]

Might be the best thing for Phuket.  Short term pain for long term gain.  A chance to rethink the rampant and uncontrolled tourism, the rabid greed that has resulted in the destruction of beaches, the environment and the general loss of beauty of the island..... Nah who am I kidding - as soon as the CCP plague has gone it will be business as usual.  ????

[soalbundy]

Waiting while circling the drain. Since this is a worldwide problem sometimes it's better just to give up. There is no course of action that is suddenly going to produce a herd of foreigners. The government could supply money to beautify the area, clear up the rubbish, get rid of the gaudy signs etc. Chiang Mai was once known as the rose of the North but like Koh Samui it has been ruined by greed and the never ending flow of tourists. It may now return to what it once was.

[bkk6060]

 

I know not Phuket, but in Pattaya was out walking near Soi 2 and 3 Beach road areas yesterday.

There were a group of nicely dressed Koreans walking around the Sois escorted by a Thai man.  They were looking at closed businesses and empty buildings, walking in and out, looking from different angles it appeared to me they were inspecting them for possible investment purposes.

If I were in the market for a business or commercial real estate, I think things here are close to a bottom.

It is not going to be like this forever and when negativity and pessimism are at their lowest, it is a good time to jump in.  I guess we will see, but I think those willing to take a chance may reap some nice profits in a few years.

 

 

Edited September 10, 2020 by bkk6060

[Destiny1990]

23 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

 

I know not Phuket, but in Pattaya was out walking near Soi 2 and 3 Beach road areas yesterday.

There were a group of nicely dressed Koreans walking around the Sois escorted by a Thai man.  They were looking at closed businesses and empty buildings, walking in and out, looking from different angles it appeared to me they were inspecting them for possible investment purposes.

If I were in the market for a business or commercial real estate, I think things here are close to a bottom.

It is not going to be like this forever and when negativity and pessimism are at their lowest, it is a good time to jump in.  I guess we will see, but I think those willing to take a chance may reap some nice profits in a few years.

 

 

Interesting looking at land and houses that they cant even own..

[ronaldo0]

Place looks like the city in the I am legend movie !!

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, robertson468 said:

"It is my prediction that tourism will not recover even close to it's former levels here, within our lifetimes."  A sadly and overstated comment in my opinion.  When the Tsunami created havoc in Phuket many years ago, the predictions were that Phuket would never recover and even if it did the Tourists would not return.  Last year they had more Tourists than ever.  Sugest you grow a pair and start being positive, with due respect! 

I am a very positive person. But, positivity without a factual basis is simply blind faith. 

 

The tsunami was a completely different kind of event. The nation did not deliberately shut itself down. And alot has happened in those intervening years. Yes, Thailand could brag about big arrival numbers. But quantity over quality only works if you are selling at a swap meet. If the big numbers were a sign of such success, why was nearly everyone in the industry complaining? 

 

Everyone in the tourism industry I have spoken with, including F&B friends and GM's, down to guest house and bar owners say the same thing. Quality is dropping, income is dropping, and occupancy is dropping. And all of that was before Covid. Now? Teo years from now? Ten years from now? 

 

There are countless things the government could be doing, if they wanted to attract the high quality tourists, and go for quality over quantity. Rich tourists like to spend money when they travel. And they cannot do that here, as they do not like getting taken for a ride. Most wealthy people are smart with their money. Thailand could be making a fortune on a 25% luxury tax. Instead of the 100% of more, which discourages most people from buying. How many people do you see in the luxury stores here? They are almost always completely empty. Inane. Beyond inane.

[Cake Monster]

2 hours ago, Boomer6969 said:

You are out of you mind, why would you come to a country where a minor misdemeanour, such as handling a sea slug, gets you into jail for weeks, to be deported and separated from your family. This is a fact and a reflection of the pervasive xenophobia against westerners in Thailand. We aren't missed here, our money is, and only by a minority.

And God forbid that you enjoy a Game of Darts or a Game of Cards with your friends ( not for Money )

That will get you run in to the Local Police Station PDQ

[ThailandRyan]

Wait and you will also be able to see the forest through the trees, if you have your rose colored glasses on.  Wearing those HD vision glasses is what this Government wears when they want to see all the empty business and beaches full.

[spidermike007]

4 hours ago, JusticeGB said:

The Government's priority is to keep the numbers down to make Thailand a safe country for tourists. It's second priority is to ensure that no infected person can come and that everyone coming must prove to the Thai people that they are not infected. These two aims are diametrically opposed so tourists won't come as they don't want the bureaucratic hassle of paperwork in order to come and the compulsory 2 weeks of effective jail time in an expensive hotel.

Correct. There should be zero restrictions on tourists willing to endure the sentence. No risk. No downside for Thailand. Yet the timidity and cowardice continue, unabated. There may be some long term tourists and certainly some returning expats, willing to spend the money and stay awhile. Nothing but income and upside for the nation. Nothing but a benefit to the people. And yet? 

[Letseng]

3 hours ago, Boomer6969 said:

You are out of you mind, why would you come to a country where a minor misdemeanour, such as handling a sea slug, gets you into jail for weeks, to be deported and separated from your family. This is a fact and a reflection of the pervasive xenophobia against westerners in Thailand. We aren't missed here, our money is, and only by a 

No problem just don't do what is forbidden.

[xylophone]

2 hours ago, Jimbo2014 said:

Short term pain for long term gain.  A chance to rethink the rampant and uncontrolled tourism, the rabid greed that has resulted in the destruction of beaches, the environment and the general loss of beauty of the island.

Agree with your post although I have only just quoted a snippet from it, however I did this because the sad thing about all of this is that the very same people in power and in positions of power here in Phuket will still be here running the place in the future, therefore the greed and corruption which has been responsible for running this place almost into the ground, will still be lining the pockets of the powerful and well-connected.

 

The poor Thais who thought that opening a small business in Patong/Phuket would secure their future, are the ones who are struggling now, and will be for years to come.

[stuarty]

4 hours ago, KarenBravo said:

Well.....that went over a couple of heads.

 

It's a pun, in fact two puns on the word "milling".

Flour trader = Miller.

Hat maker = Millinery.

I get that there's a pun in there about millers, but I thought it was a veiled clue to the identity of the 2 VIP Frenchies who arrived secretly.