'Thailand expects 200,000 Saudi visitors this year following a 30-year hiatus'.  Similarly I'm expecting a million pound Premium Bond win any day now after an identical time lag.

What has changed in the government, courts, and police in Thailand since the Blue Diamond affair to want the Saudis to trust Thailand again?

I hope they know what they’re in for. The Saudis and the Thais.  I’ve worked in the tourist trade for 45 years in Cannes and August is the biggest arrivals of Saudis, following their kings families habits, in their private jets and entourage of often 300 personnel , secretaries, chauffeurs, Nannie’s, cooks, doctors etc.  Where the Royal family go, they go. They expect 10 star service, not 5 star, eat in the very best restaurants , clubs where the youths can spend 100 thousand euros and more on champagne , etc etc. They bring their own cars, Ferraris etc. These are the good American or British educated families who are used to a way of life no Thai can ever imagine . Then you have the other sort that I remember from my first holidays in Bangkok. The lesser class that come here for only one thing, and we all know what that is. They were not liked by the Thai girls and I’ve even seen signs myself forbidding them entry to certain establishments.  So. I would say, it is that last class of tourists that will come to Thailands Bangkok and it’s infamous clubs etc. Of course, it’s quite accepted isn’t it, and I suppose the masses of jobless girls will welcome them. Sad in my opinion but I’m sure you won’t all agree. 

Am I right to assume that Saudi Arabia can be too hot for some part of the year?  Maybe

they will come for the cooler Thailand weather.

4 hours ago, Geoffggi said:

And the good news is ???????????

The good news is that the Saudi's are not encouraged by their government to come to Thailand. They consider it a dangerous place for them to go to.

4 hours ago, vandeventer said:

So if they don't drink or smoke or like girls and the beaches are full of needles just what are they going to do???

THEY will go looking at some of the 38000 temples and seek solace !!!

200,000 Saudi tourists. Or 200,000 Saudi johns?

Will we see the "Dear Arab" signs going back up?   ????

19 hours ago, orchis said:

at the origin of this 'hiatus':
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Diamond_Affair

Thank you for remembering us,...I followed the story at the time...It's a great plot for a movie !

19 hours ago, orchis said:

at the origin of this 'hiatus':
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Diamond_Affair

Thank you for posting this link, I followed the story at the time. It's a great plot for a movie !

They will gravitate to little Arabia in Pattaya and Bangkok. Visitors from the MENA region are big business here. Saudis used to come a lot until the Blue Diamond Affair. But they are in for a shock. Dubai and Bahrain are both better for nightlife..

Put the pork on, Mama!

I expect that tomorrow raining naked , sexy woman's from sky! Reason i go outside to lay down whit my willy ready and hard.

They come for the things that they cannot do at home

Booze, girls & freedom.

They spend money but a bit smelly

15 hours ago, MrJ2U said:

That and cheap women is what brings middle Eastern men to Thailand.

 

There not coming for the mosques.

They're cumming for the hookers and hookahs....Sheeesh.....

TAT can dream....

Looks like they're trying to cut into Malaysia's tourism.  Lots of tourists from Middle Eastern countries.  That country is already predominantly Muslim, accommodating for food, holidays, mosque visits, etc.  However, they have a 2-tier legal system: a regular civil law system for all, and special Sharia enforcement for The Faithful.  This means a Muslim tourist who is caught with a beer in his hand, or part of his anatomy in someone else's hand, could very well get the rotan (whipping stick).

 

 

 

I heard that they got an exemption for putting their wives on a leash with a locked collar.  

21 hours ago, Derek B said:

If 200,000 are expected more mosques will be needed.

I suspect many will relax their praying schedule while in Thailand.....just look for absolution on Fridays!

On 2/23/2022 at 7:02 PM, Adumbration said:

Saudi youth will be all over the girls in Bangla like white on rice.

 

The were just starting to invade pre covid.

 

Abhorrent creatures.  Dressed like Ali G and absolute no decorum whatsoever.

 

 

Absolutely disgusting, those Saudi Arabs. Good luck to the girls surviving their onslaught. Welcoming the Saudis really does show what the backbone of Thai tourism is: prostitution. Saudis are not beach goers, they are not interested in culture and temples, bush walking, etc. It's drinking, shopping, misbehaving and running wild (not possible at home) -  and cheap sex (not necessarily in that order).

"Thailand expects 200,000..........." or "TAT expects 200,000......."?

7 hours ago, desert dueller said:

Absolutely disgusting, those Saudi Arabs. Good luck to the girls surviving their onslaught. Welcoming the Saudis really does show what the backbone of Thai tourism is: prostitution. Saudis are not beach goers, they are not interested in culture and temples, bush walking, etc. It's drinking, shopping, misbehaving and running wild (not possible at home) -  and cheap sex (not necessarily in that order).

What I don't get is why all of them covet American brand name shoes, caps and apparel.  Where in the Koran does it say you have to wear RayBan glasses and a Stussy ball cap?

Why must posters stereotype every nationality that goes to Thailand?

Looks like its true the blue shiny glass thing was in the PM's pocket after being found in a well known hiding place ????

Looking at flights from London to Thailand right now. The cheapest option by far is Saudia Airlines. I'll be booking elsewhere!

On 2/25/2022 at 12:44 PM, desert dueller said:

Absolutely disgusting, those Saudi Arabs. Good luck to the girls surviving their onslaught. Welcoming the Saudis really does show what the backbone of Thai tourism is: prostitution. Saudis are not beach goers, they are not interested in culture and temples, bush walking, etc. It's drinking, shopping, misbehaving and running wild (not possible at home) -  and cheap sex (not necessarily in that order).

And you came for the temples ????

 

On 2/25/2022 at 8:18 PM, Adumbration said:

What I don't get is why all of them covet American brand name shoes, caps and apparel.  Where in the Koran does it say you have to wear RayBan glasses and a Stussy ball cap?

Kids will be kids......

Don't some trainers command prices over $5.000, and I presume people buy them! My mother struggled to put galoshes on my feet for school gym!

3 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Kids will be kids......

Don't some trainers command prices over $5.000, and I presume people buy them! My mother struggled to put galoshes on my feet for school gym!

We had a huge box of second-hand plimsolls for gym lessons........no one had 'trainers' (still to be invented).

 

It was first come, first serve every lesson........last ones there ended up with size 11's and no laces........very amusing on a 12 year old.

On 2/23/2022 at 12:49 PM, StayinThailand2much said:

Asked 'Mr. Google'... "Thailand welcomed nearly 37,000 Saudis in 2019...", so why should 200,000 Saudis flock to Thailand? - No alcohol, no fun, places deserted, and things overpriced... They can have that at home! Okay, maybe they'll come for the sunshine... ????

Or Dubai.