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

[ChipButty]

5 hours ago, khunphil said:

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.

 

Not tonight, I've just drove from Rawai up the main road I dont think I've ever seen it so quiet even the market

[DrDave]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

<snip>

 

The tsunami was a completely different kind of event. The nation did not deliberately shut itself down. <snip>

Correct!  The tsunami and the pandemic are two completely different animals.

 

With the tsunami, tourism could be restored just as soon as repairs to damaged properties and infrastructure could be completed. There was no uncertainty regarding when repairs could be made, and whether tourists could or would return. Most everything required to get back into business was under control of the business owners.

 

With the pandemic, everything is uncertain. When will an effective vaccine be available? Will tourists be permitted to enter the country? When will quarantine restrictions be lifted in both Thailand and tourists' home countries?  Unlike the tsunami, in this situation, almost nothing is under control of the local business owners.

[Isaan sailor]

With a constantly rising Baht—forgettaboutit.

[ThailandRyan]

4 minutes ago, Isaan sailor said:

With a constantly rising Baht—forgettaboutit.

Actually boggles the mind to see the Baht strengthen in times of economic crisis.  Lets see, my store is loosing customers, yet the prices keep on rising as the Baht gets stronger.  How does this track.   Of course they are not printing money left and right like the west and Europe does, but there cash reserves should be about depleted on which they use as a bargaining chip to stave off inflation.

[3NUMBAS]

1 hour ago, Isaan sailor said:

With a constantly rising Baht—forgettaboutit.

100 to the pound will have brits fighting to get back in ,just like 97

[Albert Zweistein]

15 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. 

And subject themselves to quarantine ? Over my dead body.

[simon43]

Quote

 

Quality is dropping, income is dropping, and occupancy is dropping. And all of that was before Covid.
 

 

 

My ex opened a small airport hotel in 2012.  Although the business always had a high occupancy rate, the average room rate had to reduce year on year to maintain that occupancy level.

 

Now she's had 1 customer stay for just 1 night since March!  Since her business totally relies on airport passenger traffic, the business is stone dead in the water!  (I built 4 little airport hotels over the years, and apart from the Yellow Short short-lived occupation, it was inconceivable to think that the airport would be closed to foreign tourists for an extended period).

 

Her modest hotel buildings sit on 15-year leased land.  She's trying to hold out until the high season or year end.  I'm more realistic and have advised her to save the land rent money and sell whatever goods and chattels that she can... ????

Edited September 11, 2020 by simon43

[Susco]

19 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

the prices keep on rising as the Baht gets stronger.  How does this track.

 

You just answered your own question.

 

19 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

they are not printing money left and right like the west and Europe does

 

The west are diluting their currencies as if there is no tomorrow, by printing money for stimulus, and I believe, you ain't seen nothing yet

[Is this real]

Want tourists and the 14 day arrival quarantine?
Here's the answer.
Have the government pay the costs of the 14 day confinement.  The only requirement is for the person to stay for 3 more weeks at the hotel of their choice.
No tricks. Period.
Start it immediately and run it as long as the quarantine is required.

[ChakaKhan]

On 9/10/2020 at 3:32 AM, 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.

Odd as I used to be a flour trader, as I needed the "dough".......I was a Pilot, Id take one bag of flour from one corner and "Pilot" in the other corner......Had to keep this job as I was fired from the mattress factory for sleeping on the job......and sadly prior to that canned from the bean factory and squeezed from my gig at the orange juice gig , as they said I couldnt concentrate........dont forget to tip your waitress, I'll be here all week

[AlexO]

On 9/10/2020 at 11:00 AM, 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. 

I for one am really happy that my daughter can go back to school, factories are reopening, I can buy a beer in my local M&P shop. I also like giving the wife's family members some work on our land to help out. Do I care about the pimp gogo bar owners, brothel keepers and those that catered to the Thai Underbelly bemoaning their lack of income. Not a jot. 90% of Thai economy getting back on its feet, do you want to destroy it the same way Europe has done by opening too early??

[thaibeachlovers]

On 9/10/2020 at 2:56 PM, webfact said:

"Patong is not a destination for Thais," said boutique hotel owner Pimphisaporn.

Yeah. Thais are not that dumb.

 

Thai boutique hotel= old dump with a bit of paint, tarted up reception and a big price increase.

 

Pimphisaporn

5555555555555555.

Edited September 12, 2020 by thaibeachlovers

[thaibeachlovers]

On 9/10/2020 at 4:00 PM, 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. 

None of the above can overlook that Thailand just wasn't a good deal any more. Other than the horde, what discerning tourist is willing to go there any more? The reasons are well known, so I don't need to repeat them, but till the Thai leaders admit that there are fundamental problems with Thai tourism as it was and sort it from bottom to top ( and most of the problems originate at the top ), they can fool themselves, but I doubt they will see tourism return to anywhere near the same numbers of western tourists if they think they can rely on the same broken infrastructure to attract western tourists.

Up to them, but for myself, the dream is over and I see no reason why I'd want to go back, and for many decades I never thought LOS would ever get so bad as it did before I left.

[thaibeachlovers]

13 hours ago, Is this real said:

Want tourists and the 14 day arrival quarantine?
Here's the answer.
Have the government pay the costs of the 14 day confinement.  The only requirement is for the person to stay for 3 more weeks at the hotel of their choice.
No tricks. Period.
Start it immediately and run it as long as the quarantine is required.

Sooooo- you want people not infected to stay at the same hotel as new arrivals. Not I ( Chances of them actually staying in a room for 14 days would be 0 IMO ).

[spidermike007]

48 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

None of the above can overlook that Thailand just wasn't a good deal any more. Other than the horde, what discerning tourist is willing to go there any more? The reasons are well known, so I don't need to repeat them, but till the Thai leaders admit that there are fundamental problems with Thai tourism as it was and sort it from bottom to top ( and most of the problems originate at the top ), they can fool themselves, but I doubt they will see tourism return to anywhere near the same numbers of western tourists if they think they can rely on the same broken infrastructure to attract western tourists.

Up to them, but for myself, the dream is over and I see no reason why I'd want to go back, and for many decades I never thought LOS would ever get so bad as it did before I left.

 

True that. There are countless things the government could be doing, if they wanted to attract the high quality tourists. The very first thing would be to repeal the anti farang wine bill, that was passed by a few very corrupt senators way back when, to protect an anemic local wine industry. They are losing billions of dollars a year in revenue, that would be had from a 100% wine duty, instead of 360%. The five star hotels would have major wine events, and the entire industry would flourish here. Billions would be earned by a wine industry that is 7 times larger than the current one, with only a third of the tax. Basic numbers. 

 

Thailand just cannot attract very many affluent, and higher end tourists anymore. The focus on quantity over quality will continue to erode the nation on countless levels. More is rarely better. It just lowers the quality of life for nearly everyone, creates more congestion, more smog, more traffic, longer lines at immigration, and makes life difficult, especially in the big cities. 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 anything. How many people do you see in the luxury stores here? They are almost always completely empty. Inane. Beyond inane. 

 

Quantity over quality is never a good thing, unless you are selling one dollar items at a swap meet. It just lowers the quality of the experience for all.

 

This is an emergency situation. It needs to be dealt with, and it needs a high degree of intelligence and competence. Not something Prayuth or Pipat possess. Someone else needs to handle this, and it needs to be handled yesterday!

[Is this real]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Sooooo- you want people not infected to stay at the same hotel as new arrivals. Not I ( Chances of them actually staying in a room for 14 days would be 0 IMO ).

@thaibeachlovers.  No, that's not what I suggested.  But, since they are all new arrivals, yes they would stay in the same hotel.  THEN, they are okay to travel according to the current program. 

This offers those who want to come and visit a legitimate economic reason to do so.

IMO your opinion means nothing because you do not try to understand the post and think.

 

[MRToMRT]

10 hours ago, Is this real said:

THEN, they are okay to travel according to the current program. 

We don't know what the current programme is do we? I think we will know more about what it actually entails after the meeting of the NACC on Tuesday.

[Is this real]

14 hours ago, MRToMRT said:

We don't know what the current programme is do we? I think we will know more about what it actually entails after the meeting of the NACC on Tuesday.

It's unfortunate that posters either don't understand English or don't actually read about things.

Yes, we know. 

After initial 2 weeks of hotel confinement, 1 more week being able to go all around Phuket.  Then, any travel in Thailand.  Only first two weeks are covered by government.

 

[MRToMRT]

18 minutes ago, Is this real said:

It's unfortunate that posters either don't understand English or don't actually read about things.

Yes, we know. 

After initial 2 weeks of hotel confinement, 1 more week being able to go all around Phuket.  Then, any travel in Thailand.  Only first two weeks are covered by government.

 

Actually this plan was already confirmed as not acceptable/workable to the government last week already. They are considering alternatives (which include. straight 2 weeks only) early next week.

 

PS Dont be rude its not nice.

Edited September 13, 2020 by MRToMRT
added ps

[3NUMBAS]

diversify into fishing and coconuts to keep folks busy and stop having babies at once

[Is this real]

9 hours ago, MRToMRT said:

Actually this plan was already confirmed as not acceptable/workable to the government last week already. They are considering alternatives (which include. straight 2 weeks only) early next week.

 

PS Dont be rude its not nice.

My suggestion would resolve one of the biggest reasons why the plan wouldn't work.  As mentioned previously, a big reason why the plan wouldn't work is the two weeks at your own expense.  What would be the response if the expense part was eliminated.

Thee problem with most of these posts is they just criticize and offer no actual ideas.  Since Thailand wants the quarantine period, how would YOU handle it?  Not being rude. 

[impulse]

On 9/10/2020 at 5:47 AM, Letseng said:

On 9/10/2020 at 2:20 AM, 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.

 

If only they didn't move that "forbidden" bar whenever it suits their agenda du jour.

 

We're never really going to know why those guys got banged up.  Was it because they picked up a sea slug, because they posted it on Facebook, because they were working on the wrong visas, or because one of their dive shop competitors wanted them out of business.

 

Edited September 13, 2020 by impulse

[geriatrickid]

On 9/10/2020 at 3:20 AM, 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.

Really? Please provide an example of such an event. 

You know what's a fact? Ignorant and stupid western older males who launch into temper tantrums when they can't have their way. the invent imaginary tales of wrongful acts.  Is it any wonder Thais express caution at a large class of westerners who are poorly educated, disrespectful of the locals, arrogant, and financially marginal? Your entire argument is based upon a fabrication.

 

[MRToMRT]

2 hours ago, Is this real said:

My suggestion would resolve one of the biggest reasons why the plan wouldn't work.  As mentioned previously, a big reason why the plan wouldn't work is the two weeks at your own expense.  What would be the response if the expense part was eliminated.

Thee problem with most of these posts is they just criticize and offer no actual ideas.  Since Thailand wants the quarantine period, how would YOU handle it?  Not being rude. 

You want me to solve economic issues and government policies? I am just happy pointing out your mistake in your previous comment. Made me smile from ear to ear it did ;+)

[CheelBeel]

Oh, we can not wait to come to Patong on Phuket.

What a place, the beach, where every 10 seconds they try to sell you some overpriced <deleted>.

Renting wave runners was so much fun and it only cost us $600 for a half an hour...
Tuk Tuk guys were real fun and amazing the way they jump on another tourist and beet a <deleted>  out of him  because for some unknown reason he felt he was being overcharged.

Ohhh we have so many great memories ...
Miss Patong so much.

[Is this real]

13 hours ago, MRToMRT said:

You want me to solve economic issues and government policies? I am just happy pointing out your mistake in your previous comment. Made me smile from ear to ear it did ;+)

There was no mistakes in my comments.

You would just rather moan and complain, which is much easier than actually trying to help.  Unfortunately, you have plenty of company.  

[Olmate]

4 hours ago, CheelBeel said:

Oh, we can not wait to come to Patong on Phuket.

What a place, the beach, where every 10 seconds they try to sell you some overpriced <deleted>.

Renting wave runners was so much fun and it only cost us $600 for a half an hour...
Tuk Tuk guys were real fun and amazing the way they jump on another tourist and beet a <deleted>  out of him  because for some unknown reason he felt he was being overcharged.

Ohhh we have so many great memories ...
Miss Patong so much.

You paid 600 for half hour.Sure they miss you too... 

[MRToMRT]

4 hours ago, Is this real said:

There was no mistakes in my comments.

You would just rather moan and complain, which is much easier than actually trying to help.  Unfortunately, you have plenty of company.  

Trying to help? Pray tell, just how can I do that from my garden in Seaton? How can this forum "help" Thailand? 

I could not agree more with you more on your last sentence though ;+)

[geriatrickid]

13 hours ago, CheelBeel said:

Oh, we can not wait to come to Patong on Phuket.

What a place, the beach, where every 10 seconds they try to sell you some overpriced <deleted>.

Renting wave runners was so much fun and it only cost us $600 for a half an hour...
Tuk Tuk guys were real fun and amazing the way they jump on another tourist and beet a <deleted>  out of him  because for some unknown reason he felt he was being overcharged.

Ohhh we have so many great memories ...
Miss Patong so much.

Were you forced into  buying the products and services?

It speaks to your lack of intelligence and ethics that you chose to rent the wave runner. Responsible, ethical people do not do that.

The rip offs as wrong as they were, could not have  happened to some more deserving of people.

 

Sure, the tuk tuk driver jumped a tourist. They do that just  for sh*ts & giggles, right? In all the years I was around Patong, those rare events had a back story, almost always involving drunk, belligerent,  foreign bullies. I am no friend of the taxi mobsters and tuk tuk thugs, but I saw  what they dealt with and it wasn't nice.