Phuket: We're ready for foreign tourists - but there aren't any - so domestic tourists remain target

 

Image: Manager

 

It has become an almost daily headline in the Thai media, especially that which focuses on business, the economy and tourism.

 

Manager's latest headline summed it up: Phuket was ready for foreign tourists, but there were virtually none, so they'd have to make do with the domestic market.

 

At least in this story there were some revealing figures of just how bad the situation is in Phuket.

 

There have been only three dozen foreign visitors and another small group is stuck on yachts offshore.

 

The media were reporting on a visit of the TAT's marketer for Europe, Africa, the Middle east and US, Siripakorn Chiawsamut and his entourage who went to see Phuket governor Narong Wun-siw and his deputy to discuss ways to stimulate the flagging tourism economy.

 

But apart from the usual talk there was very little new to add to the argument.

 

Narong said that Phuket was ready for foreign tourism and had done everything in its power to prepare. It was Covid secure, there were labs at the airport, the alternative local quarantine (ALQ) hotels were primed and there were contingency plans if things went wrong.

 

However, there were next to no foreigners. 

 

Citing the eleven groups of people like businessmen who have been allowed entry by the CCSA or Covid steering committee and plans for the special tourist visa (STV) he said that as far as he knew just THIRTY FIVE foreign tourists had made it to Phuket.

 

Another nine were on six yachts stuck 6.2 kms offshore.

 

He conceded that others were expected soon.

 

The parties agreed that the limited expectation for foreign tourists were a reality and that for now Thai domestic tourists remained the target.

 

More Thais were visiting and it was hoped that there would be a good response to the upcoming long weekend next week.

 

Source: Manager

 

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A few long-stay regulars are trickling in after completing quarantine. Local traders, however, are not rubbing their hands in anticipation of a big increase in their meagre takings.

14 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

But apart from the usual talk there was very little new to add to the argument.

 

Unfortunately, this seems to be standard procedure with most things either TAT or government related. 

27 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

Citing the eleven groups of people like businessmen who have been allowed entry by the CCSA or Covid steering committee and plans for the special tourist visa (STV) he said that as far as he knew just THIRTY FIVE foreign tourists had made it to Phuket.

 

Another nine were on six yachts stuck 6.2 kms offshore

 

TAT's schemes bearing fruit 

 

 

29 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

However, there were next to no foreigners. 

IMO they realised that Phuket is not worth the trouble, and are going elsewhere. Last time I visited was after the tsunami and they were rebuilding the same <deleted><deleted> it was before the wave. Same on Phi Phi, which judging by the photos is now worse than before, if that was even possible.

15 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

IMO they realised that Phuket is not worth the trouble, and are going elsewhere. Last time I visited was after the tsunami and they were rebuilding the same <deleted><deleted> it was before the wave. Same on Phi Phi, which judging by the photos is now worse than before, if that was even possible.

Sad to say that although Phuket was (and probably still is) the easiest seaside destination to reach by plane given plenty of very cheap daily flights... what happens after the landing and before taking off again with taxi, restaurant and rental scams on the island is just not worth the trouble. It's crossed off my list of destinations for good. There are many other awesome places in Thailand, that don't have that kind of attitude, some just neighbours of the island. Greed knows no boundaries. Neither does mafia.

What would be a possible reasons to visit Phuket? Samui? sorry have to ask: Pattaya? No drinking on most popular with Thais Bangsaen beach...

7 hours ago, rooster59 said:

We're ready for foreign tourists - but there aren't any - so domestic tourists remain target

Glad you all have a Plan B...

I know how to boost tourism but am not going to tell you...............

21 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Manager's latest headline summed it up: Phuket was ready for foreign tourists, but there were virtually none, so they'd have to make do with the domestic market

From the op photo it's like the clueless elite sitting in the lap of luxury while the real world suffers.

Even Thai tourist think Phuket is expensive

Here’s a suggestion.... why have more ‘food festivals’ on the beaches? I’m sure the few remaining restaurant proprietors would appreciate it

the world needs tons of coconut quoir for manure as peat bogs have been closed ,hint hint

Mass tourism from Europe is gone and will for a long time. Economy isn't good and offers from neighbouring countries (in Europe as Greece, Tunisia, Spain, Portugal...) are way more attractive. Thailand should focus on Asians.

If they want domestic tourists prices will need to change, its 10-20% more than elsewhere, most Thais consider it expensive.

I took my wife there 3-4 years ago ,from her home in Chonburi, she still talks about it to this day how everything cost more, even 7/11 and big C.

There will be very few farang tourists IMHO whilst the government insists on the extras, 14 days seclusion at an ASQ. USD$100,000 insurance, limited flights both ways, covid tests before ANY other tasks can be completed, fit to fly certificate etc. A strong chance of another 14 days seclusion on your return.

 

There are no cheap flights any more.

 

Add to that a lack of jobs in the home country, if you do have a job, no employer will give you 6 weeks paid holiday and a guarantee of a job to come back to.

 

You can have a staycation in your own country or there are countries far more welcoming tourists and closer than Thailand at this point in time, who actually welcome tourists.

IMO ....Massive stupidity ....this wont be over for quite a while...People are afraid of their own shadow now...ALL travel is screwed for many years to come...and not just LOS...people will not want to get in a Tin Can and fly "X" number of hours anywhere if the guy sitting next to them could be a possible death sentence...or jailer (2 weeks or more of quarantine if infected). Not to mention false/positives...could you imagine flying 20hrs, get off yer plane and someone telling you have this bogus virus...and then being locked down somewhere for who know how long only to find out it was a mistake ???

On 12/5/2020 at 11:02 PM, Albert Zweistein said:

I know how to boost tourism but am not going to tell you...............

Well since you are twice as smart as Einstein give us a tip

But apart from the usual talk there was very little new to add to the argument.

 

Yawn zzzzzzzz????

1 hour ago, Meat Pie 47 said:

Well since you are twice as smart as Einstein give us a tip

Reduce the price of beer.

3 hours ago, Albert Zweistein said:

Reduce the price of beer.

I know of a bar that put it's price of Tiger beer up by 15 Baht, Farang owned bye the way