I love living in Thailand, but I remember my first visit, long flight a bit stiff and into the 2 hour Q for immigration with a less than smiling IO.

Baggage no problem and out to find the transport sent by the hotel, no service put your own bags in the back, let’s hit the kerb for good measure before leaving the airport because we are on the phone, and now flat out lane changing  and all things that I or the 5 other travelers were not used to.

arrive Pattaya early evening, knackered and our room wasn’t ready yet, why I ask you no we come, yes sir but water not working man mend now, ok these things happen, so let’s go out for a wonder for an hour, dogs, hassle from young kids trying to sell things etc etc, sat for 1 hour and ask why I have to pay for 3 beers when I only had 2sorry sir, go back to Hotel solly man not do today you stay in another place, which was a 2star we booked a 4 no problem these things happen, and it just went on and on, the sad thing is nothing has changed  other than the driving has got worse because the vans are faster, get a tourism officer/General who understands and send a small survey team to meet people of the plane and ask not tell them with loaded questions what they exspect from there 2 weeks in paradise, now do another with people coming back to the airport, then you can see who you are catering for, but don’t load the questions or it’s all a waste of time, but TAT want a quiet life like us all so nothing will change just the press briefing’s 

1 minute ago, TigerandDog said:

I'm not a big earning, big spending foreigner BUT I reckon I contribute more to the Thai economy than any individual high spending tourist. In my time here ( 7 years ) I've purchased 2 cars ( both new ) and paid cash for the 2nd one, purchased 2 mobile phones ( expensive ones ), furnished my wife's new bungalow, obviously use local restaurants etc., support local sporting organisations ( golf & cycling ) and I'm currently building a new house with a total budget for construction and furniture of several million baht. So this combined with what other long term expats contribute to the Thai economy, long term, is in reality more beneficial to the Thai economy, especially local regional economies,  than what any tourist might contribute, especially when very littel is spent by Chinese and Indian tourists, and what they do spend is at predetermined businesses and most of that money flows out of Thailand back to India & China.

The reality is, that whilst there are some foreigners here who spend a lot, it's almost guaranteed that besides a few real tight <deleted>, or the destitute, every single westerner here spends more than the average Thai every month, am I wrong? 

what they want and what they are going to get is a different matter...this country sadly has fallen well behind  other destinations   If I'd got a large wad of cash at my disposal i would be anywhere but here 

 

I need more money. But I work less. Ok kaa no pomppem. 

 

I hansum and have good amulet.

6 hours ago, tonray said:

Let's see ..I'm not what would be classified as a high earning, big spending foreigner...but...in the past 3 years I helped with down payment on a townhouse (where I now live and maintain), I bought 2 cars, I bought two insurance policies (one for my health and one for my extension), and of course I spend money for food, domestic travel, etc etc. But tired old expats like me...out....big spending high flyers in....5555

yep same here mate ive spent millions in the last 2 years alone not counting daily living costs .but we don't count not quality rich tourist but what we x pats have put into the economy since C19 just gets overlooked eh ..

Of course all the big spenders of this world are waiting to book a dream vacation in Thailand, also known as COTU (center of the universe).
They will love the friendlyness of the people here, the clean, fresh air, the turquoise seas and the immaculate white beaches. If problems occur they can rely on a friendly, attentive police force.  Families with small kids can always be assured that their small ones are in no danger from traffic, since traffic rules are harsh and strictly enforced.
Welcome to Thailand!

The first 3 pictures were taken at Pattaya beach, the four others at Bang Niang beach, Kao Lack. 
 

I'm amazed this has produced five pages of comments ....so far, considering the same BS has been spouted several times during the pandemic.

 

I'm sure the job spec for the head of TAT must read something like:

 

Ability to create figures out of nowhere

Skilled at regurgitating ideas that have failed many times previously

The ability to create catchy slogans that may or may not have a semblance of proper English

Able to create excuses whenever targets are not met

Happy to travel worldwide at the taxpayers' expense

The desire for a job for life; you will never get sacked regardless of competency

No tourism experience necessary

7 hours ago, steven100 said:

yada ... yada .. bla ...bla .... knucklehead.

High rollers don't come to Thailand they go where they are treated respectfully. 

 

15 minutes ago, Rohe60 said:

Of course all the big spenders of this world are waiting to book a dream vacation in Thailand, also known as COTU (center of the universe).
They will love the friendlyness of people here, the clean, fresh air, turquoise seas and the immaculate white beaches. If problems occur they can rely on a friendly, attentive police force.  Families with small kids can always be assured that their small ones are in no danger from traffic, since traffic rules are harsh and strictly enforced.
Welcome to Thailand!

The first 3 pictures were taken at Pattaya beach, the four others at Bang Niang beach, Kao Lack. 
 

Those 3 Pattaya pics are shameful, nobody can ignore that. But oddly enough, the people in charge do just that - ignore it. 

31 minutes ago, HiSoLowSoNoSo said:

Wonder if the people from TAT ever been to a place where "High Quality Tourists" visit? They should take a trip to the French Riviera and see how things should be done, No broken sidewalks like here, clean water, no plastic floating around and beautiful beach promenades.

   

and the cops  salute you

yea, because rich like to spend their cash,,, thats why they managed to get so much 

3 hours ago, bluesnake said:

"High earning, high quality tourists".

 

Such a horrible saying, so rude...

They should be ashamed of saying that.
 

TAT knows no shame.

This thread has become just another reminder that the retired community here will take any opportunity to complain about "not being wanted here".

 

Seriously, this is a story about tourism.  Not every story is a chance to tell us you bought a house and car for someone.

the problem is that TAT focuses on what they want, rather than what they can provide.

Build it and they will come.

 

But he cant help it, its just the thai mentality.

I recently had a gf tell me that she wanted me to support her.

I asked her what I would get in return upgrading her financial situation

 

she said, you get me. I replied, but I already have you....

Silence and glares ensued...

Haha, what a multiheaded monster the recover plan mouthpieces are.

 

And burning is started , smog is just what " Rich Quality Tourist`s " like . Keep on dreaming !.????????????

7 hours ago, RandolphGB said:

Keep dreaming. High value tourists have other destinations in mind. You know, places where they fix the pavements, taxi drivers don’t scam them, police follow the rule of law, bars don’t rip them off, and they’re generally appreciated.

When you find this place please let me know!!!

Usual Thai speech, in truth they will take what they can get, end of!

Thailand is never going to attract  ( or Lure ) the kind of Tourists that are both Wealthy and Quality.

This kind of Tourist spends his Summer Family Holiday in Countries such as France, or Italy, or even the Caribbean, and in the Winter enjoys the slopes of Austria or Switzerland   for a Skiing Holiday.

Despite trying to attract these Tourists by flouting themselves as a Premier destination, Thailand will always, and forever, remain a cheap, sleazy and dirty place in the eyes of these kind of people.

Sad, regrettable, but true.

 

Don't think many of TAT personell have traveled overseas to get an idea of what foreigners want in travel. adventure. Do they think any rich tourists are so in love with Asian/Thai culture that they will spend lots of cash to stay/visit here and visit temples?  When you hear of big spenders you often think of high rollers. Rich people with plenty of disposable cash who like posh accomedations and Casino's to gamble in. Thailand has none. If the Gov can't even control flooding along Pat Beach road after years of trying they will never convince high class let alone regular tourists that they are a world class resort. Leave Pattaya to what drew tourists SiN City but with improved facilities. People can go to Phuket, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai for other things like shoppping, jungle /river /eco tours  ,  ect

 

Rarely comment here anymore but statements like this really wind me up. The sheer arrogance and blatant entitled attitude says it all. 
 

FYI TAT. Cheap Chinese zero-dollar tour groups and Mongers are your mass audience. 

These are the kind of tourists every country wants so stating the obvious.  What he didn't bring up was how the country can attract them.  Do something about road traffic deaths, scams that the police almost turn a blind eye to, antiquated property laws, non democratic government,  nanny state gambling laws., polluted beaches, massively overcrowded jails etc etc.  Third world countries don't attract the kind of people this donut wants to visit.

12 minutes ago, vandeventer said:

When you find this place please let me know!!!

There are plenty

Last week there were 16 million tourists as the goal for 2022. This week are suddenly 20 million. It's a shame that the Thai journalists never ask for an explanation on what basis the numbers were determined.

 

Yes, and I am one of those people who like to spend a lot of money. Mainly for nightlife, concerts, discos and party fun. Would like to spend my money, but unfortunately almost everything is closed.

 

 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand needs high quality tourists who are high earners and big spenders

Here they go again, beginning to sound like a worn out old record!!!

 

Thailand needs to be a high quality tourist destination first!!

As a High roller Tourist there is far better places to go and be treated with respect, feel valued and relax than Thailand.
 

IMO Thailand needs to:
Legalize Weed
Legalize Prostitution

Relax All laws on Alcohol

Aim for Mass Tourism

Let the Hordes come for fast and free time .
Thailand should do what it did best back in the 80-90's a cheap, sleazy and dirty place.

 

There is NO WAY IN HELL Thailand will ever be considered a Top spot for a high roller.

 

2 hours ago, mokwit said:

You know, one of the things I have noticed over the years talking to visitors is how much resentment the bad half of taxi drivers causes. I and nobody I know knows of any country that has taxi divers with attitudes like this. Nothing is ever really done about it. In fairness I am not sure I know of many/any? countries that have taxi drivers as good as the "salt of the earth" good half of Thailand's taxi divers. Maybe Singapore.

Pattaya now has the excellent Bolt service.

Back in the 70s when I was in my twenties Thailand was the place to go. Fast forward to post tsunami when westerners wanted to help the Thai economy and visited in droves only to be blatantly ripped off and you begin to see the beginning of the end of Thai tourism. Thailand is what it is; dirty, sleazy, rundown. Corruption in Thailand starts at the top and filters all the way to the bottom, it permeates the whole of Thai society.

I am fairly wealthy and there are far nicer places for me to spend my time and money than the current Thailand.

Having spent many month long holidays in Chiang Mai and Koh Samet in the 70s and 80s I took a trip down memory lane in 2010 and cut my holiday short by three weeks because Thailand had turned into a cess pit of corruption and filth.

Do yourself a favour, if you want to experience SE Asia go to Vietnam or Cambodia. If you have money visit the Caribbean; great beaches, great people great service, first class accommodation, superb food and entertainment.

Yes the French Riviera is nice, but the equally nice ladies would like to see 500 Euros; there you have it, why you see the guys you do see here in LOS.

I will be in Italy as soon as the "cool" season here is over (and before April!) if it turns out to be practical, but sadly I have my doubts.

And before I forget, China delenda est.

a dreamer-- indeed  !!!! try making visa easier  thats a  start  ????? retirees needed  here also for the income for Thailand  !!!

who spend on property ,food and cars etc.