"Drastic" losses to Thai tourism with 1.57 TRILLION baht hit, admits tourism minister

[webfact]

"Drastic" losses to Thai tourism with 1.57 TRILLION baht hit, admits tourism minister

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Thailand's tourism minister said that the country's tourism sector had taken a 1.57 trillion baht hit from January to September compared to the same period last year. 

 

The huge downturn from the pandemic was seen not just in foreign tourism but domestic as well. 

 

Total revenue was 655 billion baht - 70.57% down.

 

Pipat Ratchakitprakarn told Thai Rath that this was a worldwide phenomenon. 

 

Foreign visitors in the first nine months of the year had been only 6.69 million, clearly those who arrived before the pandemic lockdown.

 

This was down 22.77 million compared to 2019 or 77.29%.

 

Foreign tourists had spent 332 billion baht, 1.1 trillion down or 76.77%.

 

Thais had made 52.71 million trips that was 63.57 million down or a 54.67% reduction in domestic tourism.

 

They had spent 323 billion baht that was 474 billion down or a 59.46% reduction. 

 

Thaivisa notes that with each passing story about the financial losses caused to Thai tourism by the pandemic the Thai media come with yet more hyperbolic language.

 

Thai Rath called this latest news "huap haap" or drastic.

 

Some reports put the tourism sector percentage of Thai GDP as high as 20%. 

 

The lack of foreign tourism in 2020 and the reluctance of Thais to travel to any great extent has resulted in catastrophic damage to the industry, notes Thaivisa.

 

Source: Thai Rath

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2020-10-23

 

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[Matzzon]

That´s like a HUGE loss! Where is all the Chinese that are going to save this little insignificant mishap?

[Grumpy John]

Send the bill to your mates in Beijing.  They let the Wuhan China virus out so they can make restitution to every country effected.

 

[pkrv]

Yes minister this might well be a worldwide phenomenon, but there's a lot of places in the world that don't have ~20% GDP reliant on tourism.

 

So perhaps way past time to get your thinking caps on?

[DrTuner]

Good, now they have an excuse to take a loan from CCP and let them trigger the debt trap, effectively doing what the Sino-Thais want: selling the country to China.Motherland awaits with lucrative cadre positions.

[Misterwhisper]

Off with his head!

 

Not because of the financial losses (which are not his fault), but for lying, beating around the bush,, deflecting and making false statements all the way in order to save his precious face.

[Flying Saucage]

It was the paranoid reaction of the government to the pandemic rather than the pandemic itself which caused these 1.57 trillion losses to Thai tourism. 

 

Instead of gradually opening the country months ago after having learned about the virus and it's transmission and treatment, they decided to block any tourists from coming. So what did they expect, other than ruining the industry?

 

But of course, there is this masterplan of the generals, to sell the country to China in order to line up the own pockets. So nothing else was to expect.

[Silencer]

The initial pact between citizens of most countries with their governments was-  "We need a lockdown to slow the spread of the virus (NOT to eliminate it) and make sure our health care services are not overrun." I Many countries then successfully followed that (especially Thailand) but the tables have now turned to where very few cases are accepted, regardless if we understand transmission and treatments better, and healthcare services are not being overrun. 0 tolerance is not an acceptable policy position for any disease. Until a vaccine is ready, testing, face masks indoors, and any new localized shutdowns (if a spread is detected) seems to be the only sensible solution for a country that relies so heavily on tourism. Either that, or these burdensome restrictions (for real tourists) accounting for minimal arrivals and the wait for a vaccine for fully opening the borders. By then, many more people and businesses will be swallowed.

[sammieuk1]

You only have to look at who's in charge of tourism in a pandemic to find out who will do badly it was never going to be anything different than a cluster f here with these idiots????

[ThailandRyan]

Govt’s first priority is economic recovery, not charter change, says energy minister, and now this tidbit

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's tourism minister said that the country's tourism sector had taken a 1.57 trillion baht hit from January to September compared to the same period last year. 

Do these guys even talk and then wonder why the tourist dollars are gone, and the economy is in the Tank.  Even if they did open up to tourists the money train has started to grind to a halt because of what Thailand has done to its benevolent guests.  You can not make this rubbish up.  Time to take the bunk out with the trash and maybe with a charter change and a new Government Thailand will bounce back.  No more lies Thailand, no more lies.

[EvetsKram]

Covid will not go away,  we are stuck with it.  It would be good to see this "government" do something to stimulate economy & get ordinary people employed & spending instead of throwing cash at big business. Too many small players going broke & closing down

[RotBenz8888]

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Some reports put the tourism sector percentage of Thai GDP as high as 20%.

Like spoiled brats, have taken the tourist money for granted. Cant help but laugh! 

[jackdd]

This was just the low season, the losses in the high season will probably be a multitude of this.

[ThailandRyan]

24 minutes ago, EvetsKram said:

Covid will not go away,  we are stuck with it.  It would be good to see this "government" do something to stimulate economy & get ordinary people employed & spending instead of throwing cash at big business. Too many small players going broke & closing down

You mean, they should not be buying Submarines or Jet's.  They should be helping those in need instead of stuffing there pockets first, do I have that right? 

[Pattaya Spotter]

For some reason, I'm not feeling it for the Phuket tuk-tuk mafia and their families, you know the ones who want B200 to go a kilometer down the road...and if you have the temerity to negotiate tell you to get stuffed (at best). Sometimes karma can bite you in the behind sooner than expected.

[spidermike007]

Blame, blame, blame. It was caused by anything but us. Without Covid, Thailand was heading toward a disastrous high season. Hotels at 50% occupancy, at a time when they are usually nearly full. So, Pipat. You need to admit what an utter failure you have been as tourism minister. You are an empty suit. 

 

These issues and problems were becoming apparent long before Covid. And none were being addressed. Tourism had been declining for years already. The numbers were up. But the quality of tourist was way down. And according to everyone I spoke to last year, the year before and the year before that, income was way, way down. So, "this blame it all on Covid scenario" is somewhat disengenuous. Sure, Covid is huge. And the drop now is stunning. But, my point is there were plenty of issues prior to Covid. And are any of them being addressed?

Again, this is a situation where nobody is attempting to get to the root of the problem. Of course, in Thai society, it is not particularly popular to look within for the source of the problem.

[crazykopite]

Soon to be 3+ trillion when there are no tourists as we approach the peak season might as well cancel Christmas and New Year for 2020.

[BigStar]

2 hours ago, Misterwhisper said:

Off with his head!

 

Not because of the financial losses (which are not his fault), but for lying, beating around the bush,, deflecting and making false statements all the way in order to save his precious face.

But the authoritative TAT: TVF now seems caught in a contradiction. Of course the tourism minister is NOW speaking gospel truth, because he's talking about a YUGE loss. Heads all nod wisely in unison. Yup.???? Justice bein' done at last, heh!

 

Trouble is, to agree now then to account for such a loss you have also to agree with his earlier stats re: the YUGE number of tourists and revenue generated.

 

Wot? Were all our sneers just ignorant bashing as usual????? 

[ThailandRyan]

4 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

as we approach the peak season might as well cancel Christmas and New Year for 2020.

Can not wait to see how much decorations the Thai's put up for the Holidays, especially with no true tourists here.  I need to buy my own fake tree to put up in my Condo and decorate...lol

[DrTuner]

1 minute ago, BigStar said:

But the authoritative TAT: TVF now seems caught in a contradiction. Of course the tourism minister is NOW speaking gospel truth, because he's talking about a YUGE loss. Heads all nod wisely in unison. Yup.???? Justice bein' done at last, heh!

 

Trouble is, to agree now then to account for such a loss you have also to agree with his earlier stats re: the YUGE number of tourists and revenue generated.

 

Wot? Were all our sneers just ignorant bashing as usual????? 

Actually, has anyone checked these numbers vs the earlier per head expenditure TAT claimed ( without ever giving the source data ) ? 

[ThailandRyan]

3 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

Actually, has anyone checked these numbers vs the earlier per head expenditure TAT claimed ( without ever giving the source data ) ? 

You can never check what is spouted just off the top of there head.  Open mouth, insert foot, and then backtrack with other figures and stats.  All just a misunderstanding.  Who to believe, who to believe!

[FritsSikkink]

2 hours ago, Flying Saucage said:

It was the paranoid reaction of the government to the pandemic rather than the pandemic itself which caused these 1.57 trillion losses to Thai tourism. 

 

Instead of gradually opening the country months ago after having learned about the virus and it's transmission and treatment, they decided to block any tourists from coming. So what did they expect, other than ruining the industry?

 

But of course, there is this masterplan of the generals, to sell the country to China in order to line up the own pockets. So nothing else was to expect.

Thailand could have opened a long time ago if Europe and the USA had better control over the virus. They are still debating there that it not necessary to wear a mask.

[soi3eddie]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's tourism minister said that the country's tourism sector had taken a 1.57 trillion baht hit from January to September compared to the same period last year. 

How about stating the figures from begining of February or March to end of September? The pandemic didn't really take hold until February although the the esteemed Chinese arrivals did slow in January as they fought the virus they created. Now the traditional 4 months of high season are ahead and likely zero meaningfull arrivals until next March. How many trillions of losses by then? The next 4 months probably bring 50+% of tourist revenue as Thai weather is good, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year holdiys fall and the northern hemisphere seeks to escape the cold and dark. 3 trillion as final figure for losses anyone?

[soi3eddie]

35 minutes ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

For some reason, I'm not feeling it for the Phuket tuk-tuk mafia and their families, you know the ones who want B200 to go a kilometer down the road...and if you have the temerity to negotiate tell you to get stuffed (at best). Sometimes karma can bite you in the behind sooner than expected.

If exploring I always used to rent a car or motorcycle when going to Phuket. Much cheaper than frequently taking taxis and tuk tuks and more convenient too.

[Flying Saucage]

It's really fascinating and also so comical to observe the Thai authorities always when they predict the future of the economy, and especially of the tourism industry. 

 

One day they admit huge losses, next day they predict huge profits, one day they say the borders must stay closed unlimited, next day they predict heaps of tourists will come soon to bring billions and trillions to rescue the industry.

 

The Thai authorities literally behave like hens in a hen house when you open the door and let a fox in. They have no plans, no strategies, they are only aimlessly running around in their panic of loosing face. To observe this is the funny part of the disaster in Thailand.

 

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

2 minutes ago, soi3eddie said:

How about stating the figures from begining of February or March to end of September? The pandemic didn't really take hold until February although the the esteemed Chinese arrivals did slow in January as they fought the virus they created. Now the traditional 4 months of high season are ahead and likely zero meaningfull arrivals until next March. How many trillions of losses by then? The next 4 months probably bring 50+% of tourist revenue as Thai weather is good, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year holdiys fall and the northern hemisphere seeks to escape the cold and dark. 3 trillion as final figure for losses anyone?

 

Best selling winter destinations for Europeans are the Canary islands, Cyprus and Crete and lots of bookings for the islands in the Caribbean. Australians can't leave their country and if the Chinese can't come the high season will not be very "high".   

[soi3eddie]

55 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Blame, blame, blame. It was caused by anything but us. Without Covid, Thailand was heading toward a disastrous high season. Hotels at 50% occupancy, at a time when they are usually nearly full. So, Pipat. You need to admit what an utter failure you have been as tourism minister. You are an empty suit. 

 

These issues and problems were becoming apparent long before Covid. And none were being addressed. Tourism had been declining for years already. The numbers were up. But the quality of tourist was way down. And according to everyone I spoke to last year, the year before and the year before that, income was way, way down. So, "this blame it all on Covid scenario" is somewhat disengenuous. Sure, Covid is huge. And the drop now is stunning. But, my point is there were plenty of issues prior to Covid. And are any of them being addressed?

Again, this is a situation where nobody is attempting to get to the root of the problem. Of course, in Thai society, it is not particularly popular to look within for the source of the problem.

Thai tourism has been overbuilt in many areas. Chasing ever higher head count numbers rather than quality of service. National Parks' government sanctioned price discrimination. Taxi mafia overcharging. Filthy beaches and pollution everywhere. Overcrowded beaches and bays and reduced marine life. Tourism to Thailand (by westerners at least) has been in decline for years as they seek nicer places. Many times on flights from London travellers would tell me they were going to Vietnam, Cambodia or even Myanmar but only transiting Thailand. For many tourists it's not so Amazing Thailand anymore.

[RichardColeman]

OK, so it seems to be official - tourism and tourism income is down 75%.

 

But, but,

 

How on earth can the people in charge be predicting only a 7.1-7.8% drop in Thai GDP if tourism making up a lowly estimated 10% (yeah, we know its higher) of Thai GDP has dropped that much on its own ?

 

If Thailand comes away this year with a ridiculous spouted 7% drop when tourism alone has gone done 7.5%, exports down, rice down, mass unemployed spending nothing, then they are even bigger fibers than we thought already !

 

 

[4MyEgo]

3 hours ago, Matzzon said:

That´s like a HUGE loss! Where is all the Chinese that are going to save this little insignificant mishap?

I read in another topic that 650 people on ships wanting to come over on dry land, and that the minister quoted that they would contribute 3.21 billion baht, although I don't believe he passed in math as that would equate to 3 million plus baht per head.

[BigStar]

47 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

Actually, has anyone checked these numbers vs the earlier per head expenditure TAT claimed ( without ever giving the source data ) ? 

I've yet to see any figures whatsoever from TAT: TVF. All we get is, "didn't see nobody at the beach yesterday," or "Lek's Beer Bar on Soi Buakhao was empty at 2 PM" or "nobody carrying shopping bags in the mall." 

 

TAT rarely gives per head expenditure except in limited cases. What it usually gives is revenue generated, which our brilliant Economists then ignorantly divide by the number of tourists to discredit the stats. Study up on the big difference.

 

We also always ignore the Mastercard Index, which happens to correlate pretty well. Mastercard doesn't count transit lounge visitors or day crossings by Laotians that TAT: TVF insists are being counted. Check out a few years of Mastercard: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/thailand-no-1-destination-on-mastercards-global-index/