Thai tourism: Foreigners likened to fish that need to be caught to spur recovery

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

In a rambling That Rath opinion article about Thailand's return to mass tourism post-pandemic, one observation stood out.

 

It came from ML Surawut Thongthaem who used to represent a hotel group who told the media:

 

"One should not just catch the fish in one's own backyard pond, one needs to catch fish outside..."

 

He was clearly referring to the need to get foreign tourists back in Thailand to stimulate the recovery in the sector.

 

In comments that appeared to have been attributed to Surawut he suggested that Thailand needs to strengthen its services to tourists and its credibility so that it is sustainable. 

 

Decades of massive growth have seen Thailand's tourism sector explode as much as anywhere on earth.

 

They have grabbed a large slice of the tourism pie that represents 10.3% of world GDP, said the media.

 

But now was the time for a rethink of the priorities.

 

One way forward - referencing the analogy of Surawuth - was to go after the BIG fish. Well heeled tourists who would spend plenty.

 

Another idea at least for the present is to follow all the protocols and encourage an eight step plan to promote a place like Phuket as a winter haven away from Covid hit areas in the west like the US and Europe.

 

Phuket could be billed as a "safe haven" for those foreign fish. 

 

But Thailand has to act fast to ensure that it is not a fish out of water. 

 

Soure: Thai Rath

 

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4 minutes ago, webfact said:

was to go after the BIG fish. Well heeled tourists who would spend plenty.

 

That old chestnut again !

Keep on dreaming !

Edited December 4, 20205 yr by Thaiwrath

I thought Thailand is expected to be the number one destination in the world post covid........the fish should be jumping into the boat surely? No need to go fishing.....

That must mean long stay expats are like fermented fish..to be assumed to smell bad and leave an unpleasant taste

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

"One should not just catch the fish in one's own backyard pond, one needs to catch fish outside..."

so All tourists are to be eaten ? doesnt sound very sustainable

Surawut is only fishing for money

Always this fascination with big spenders without thought for the less well off traveler, who make up the overwhelming majority of tourists under normal circumstances. Right now, they should be keen to get anyone they can (Covid free of course) not zero in on minorities, who are very likely to go elsewhere anyway.

12 minutes ago, tonray said:

That must mean long stay expats are like fermented fish..to be assumed to smell bad and leave an unpleasant taste

Do you mean that tasty delicacy my wife loves so much?

Why do they think Thailand is so ducking great.  Why would

rich tourists be attracted to lousy streets, terrible drivers, polluted water,

trash everywhere, prostitution at all tourists areas, scams etc etc

Thailand is for cheapskates like me who don’t mind all the chaos.

I buy food, hotels, drinks etc.  but don’t arrive in a private jet,or yacht 

regular tourists made Thais rich and were never appreciated 

I think Amazing Thailand is going to get a wake up call

How doth one bait one's hook. Let me count the ways.

 

Arbitrary alcohol bans.

 

Expensive alcohol (when you can get it).

 

Shoddy infrastructure.

 

Dirty beaches.

 

Traffic gridlock.

 

Filthy air.

 

Dual pricing.

 

Proof of income for visas and extensions.

 

Local mafia taxi operators.

 

Etc., etc..

 

 

If we continue with these fishing analogies, the fishing grounds have been overfished, the stocks are gone. The fishing fleet is tied up, derelict and unseaworthy.

51 minutes ago, webfact said:

It came from ML Surawut Thongthaem who used to represent a hotel group who told the media:

Obviously a bit of fishing just to cause mischief. Well done.

Edited December 4, 20205 yr by Traubert

Explains why they use the word "lure" in most press releases.

 

That and "schemes", of course.

 

Haven't seen "angling" yet.

 

 

 

 

7 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

If we continue with these fishing analogies, the fishing grounds have been overfished, the stocks are gone. The fishing fleet is tied up, derelict and unseaworthy.

...and still the French keep coming....555

1 hour ago, webfact said:

"One should not just catch the fish in one's own backyard pond, one needs to catch fish outside..."

 

He was clearly referring to the need to get foreign tourists back in Thailand to stimulate the recovery in the sector.

This was obviously not a reference solely to foreigners, he was also clearly referring to Thais ("not just catch the fish in one's own backyard pond") in exactly the same way in that innocuous analogy.

They want great whites but usually settle for minnows.

Edited December 4, 20205 yr by bkk6060

In my analysis of the current situation, the Thai tourist industry will probably never recover to it's former glory (circa 1999) and will only reach pre covid levels in another decade or so.

 

This virus has decimated the world economy, and along with that comes would be travelers having to prioritize more important things like food and housing before they can even start to think about a long haul trip abroad.

 

For most europeans, their holidays will be limited to domestic travel and possibly the sunny beaches of spain for a few lucky brits until the situation regains some normality and jobs are a plenty again. Long haul holidays will now be an out of reach luxury for many westerners, especially the backpackers as many of those funded their travels by working odd jobs in the hospitality sector. 

 

Tough times ahead for Thailand, IMO. 

2030 will probably see things return to normal. 

Edited December 4, 20205 yr by Liverpoolfan

I don't know why they don't open up some high end casino resorts, like Singapore and Malaysia, and reel in some whales.

3 minutes ago, Amusements said:

I don't know why they don't open up some high end casino resorts, like Singapore and Malaysia, and reel in some whales.

They should start today at that wasteland of nothingness Bali Hai harbor.

45 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

How doth one bait one's hook. Let me count the ways.

 

Arbitrary alcohol bans.

 

Expensive alcohol (when you can get it).

 

Shoddy infrastructure.

 

Dirty beaches.

 

Traffic gridlock.

 

Filthy air.

 

Dual pricing.

 

Proof of income for visas and extensions.

 

Local mafia taxi operators.

 

Etc., etc..

 

 

You think too mut

Lets hope they dont smell like fish when they arrive 

1 hour ago, tonray said:

That must mean long stay expats are like fermented fish..to be assumed to smell bad and leave an unpleasant taste

I think you're on to something here. It would finally explain why particularly Isan women seem to be so attracted to us as marriage partners. They just looove their "pla ra"... hence they "lub you too mutt" us, too.

1 hour ago, Surelynot said:

Do you mean that tasty delicacy my wife loves so much?

Please ! This is a family forum..we don't need to hear about your bedroom exploits.. Ha ha ha ha

Edited December 4, 20205 yr by tonray

First world tourists (especially the well heeled) need first class facilities. How about letting foreigners purchase a maximum of one house in certain areas. How about improving pollution and public transport, and eliminating the scammers. There's a lot to do even before entertaining the idea. 

1 hour ago, Cali farong said:

prostitution at all tourists areas,

LOL LOL, LOL.

Thaniya Plaza was/ is where the Japanese like(d) to pay for play. Only for seriously rich people.

 

Prostitution has been a major factor in tourism, IMO, despite those that don't like it trying to downplay its importance to the Thai economy.

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

How doth one bait one's hook. Let me count the ways.

 

Arbitrary alcohol bans.

 

Expensive alcohol (when you can get it).

 

Shoddy infrastructure.

 

Dirty beaches.

 

Traffic gridlock.

 

Filthy air.

 

Dual pricing.

 

Proof of income for visas and extensions.

 

Local mafia taxi operators.

 

Etc., etc..

 

 

But, but, if ye obey ye shall be blessed.

A post using a trolling image has been removed. 

A funny thread.
 

A bunch of people who have been caught hook, line and sinker and not only visited Thailand, but completely uprooted their lives and moved here permanently by choice, complaining that Thailand isn’t good enough to attract people for a holiday. 

 

????
 

I am a high class elite and absolutely love Thailand. If there was somewhere better I would move.

Am I herring this right there may well only be tiddlers left after the Thai virus paranoia as the shoals find pastures new and far friendlier places ????

2 hours ago, webfact said:

One way forward - referencing the analogy of Surawuth - was to go after the BIG fish. Well heeled tourists who would spend plenty.

Ah, but can you afford the bait???