42 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

And it is going to be like that for a long time yet.

 

Those in their ivory towers in Bangkok in their CCSA meetings that are waiting for the floodgates at Suvarnabhumi to open will be sat there a long time. There will be an initial rush/surge and that will be it.

 

As I mentioned in another post, Singapore has announced even with lifting restrictions passenger traffic levels are 13% or pre pandemic levels.

 

I will stay here because I have strong family ties but for leisure, I will go to Vietnam and Cambodia, even the UK where I get far more value for money, and at least a genuine smile whilst they are taking my money.

 

What this military government doesn't understand is that foreign tourists are not impressed nor intimidated by the Thais with their shiny uniforms and tacky medal ribbons, and won't dance to a tune just because Prayuth wants it to be that way.

The 90 baht worth of aluminum ribbons and rank insignias mean less than zero to 99% of us. They are cartoonish, at best. 

4 hours ago, eggzthaioz said:

Thai government officials and decision makers just don't get it.

While all the stupid restrictions are in place tourists aren't going to come.

As a long term visitor over 45 years I'm off to Cambodia to spend my tourist $$$. Then off to Vietnam for awhile.

Thailand won't be getting any of my doe ever again.

Bunch of idiots running the country. 

I hope you have made arrangements for the care of your deer while you are away.

10 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Is Thailand making any effort, on any level to address the issues that were present, pre-Covid? Traffic and public safety, air quality, road congestion, luxury taxes, wine taxes, jet ski scams?

Phuket has had 2 full years to fix the roads, sidewalks and traffic problems with motorbikes driving crazy, wrong way, running lights, etc.  Also tear down the abandoned buildings and clear out the debris. Just those 4 things would improve the quality for the tourists (and locals).   Instead they have food festivals to "lure" the tourists.   I don't get it.  It's not rocket science guys.  It could have been done in months.   I was a "tourist" 3 months after the Tsunami.  I was amazed how fast they fixed up the tourist areas, fixed the roads and sidewalks.    The government has completely lost sight of a real plan.  It's too bad.

15 minutes ago, IamNoone88 said:

This seems to be written as a 600 word personal statement for journalism class 101, rather than a newsworthy article. Must have been a slow day on the press desk.

That's what I thought.  Maybe an intern wrote it?  There was no punch, but a lot of response from readers.  ????????

 

2 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Tourism in Thailand will never recover to pre-COVID levels until the Thai government gets rid of all the entry requirements created in response to COVID.

I've advised my friends in Australia there is a risk of being hauled off to quarantine at considerable expense for 14 days if they contract COVID while they are here.

Thailand is an attractive tourist destination, it is all the regulations that make it unattractive. A fourth grade kid could see that.

It will never recover till they get rid of the useless Thai dictatorship!

1 hour ago, RAZZELL said:

I have recently been to Chaweng in Samui and it was like a scene from a Zombie apocalypse movie. Around 80% of all businesses closed and the beaches deserted.

To be fair, my first impression of Pattaya back in to he days before Covid was of a zombie movie - what appeared to be the walking dead lurching around the place clutching at young female bodies...

55 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

 

Quality tourists' demands are higher.

 

They require decent clean beaches without the constant harassment of vendors, hawkers and the noise of jet skis.

 

They want decent walkways and pavements,  They want their ' hosts ' to have a good command of the international language. They want to use toilet facilities that are first world at tourist sites, not holes in the ground and filthy facilities.

Yes, this is well put.  These are the minimum standards you get everywhere in Europe, even in the poorer nations (like the Baltics), in Mexico and even in the poorest parts of America.

 

I suspect that the hi-so upper classes have rarely if ever visited a filthy beach in Thailand.  And quite possibly, despite their wealth, they may never have visited beaches in places like Spain or Portugal or Mexico or walked on perfectly smooth sidewalks or driven a car in a European or N American country, where people observe the unwritten rules of the road, like common politeness allowing someone ahead to change lanes. 

When your whole culture is isolationist, you can't even conceive of a different way of life that you can learn something from.

I hate social media, but I also think that the only hope for a better life in LoS will come from the younger generation's awareness of what life is like on the outside.

Who really knows for sure if Thailand's Tourism Industry will bounce back to pre Covid Days.

The one thing that is certain, is that Tourists will be a lot more careful about choosing their vacation destinations in the future.

There are very few Tourists willing to take a Sunshine Break for 2 weeks, only to return to their own Country for a period of Quarantine due to them being infected on their vacation.

 

 

 

4 hours ago, Willy Wombat said:

I can’t wait to lay on the beach with a mask on, then hit the dance floor in the evening fully masked too.

 

Fun

and refreshing yourself with non-alcoholic drinks 

3 hours ago, martand said:

They do not respect us in Thailand? Maybe, but I always think of the way Thai people or others coming from not-EU countries are treated in my country. Obtaining a visa, first of all. And they do not come to our western countries to lay on a beach, doing nothing helped by cheap prices (due to low salaries of the labor force), hunting for women, enjoying food and panoramas, etc. etc. Do we really understand how lucky (without reason) we were being born in Western countries?

That is irrelevant to where westerners choose to holiday.  Actually many Thai people holiday in Vietnam as it is cheaper than Thailand - unless you benefit from the government's 50% discount scheme.

No mention of China, that beacon of Thai tourism.  Perhaps and only perhaps, they might return for Chinese New Years 2023. Still with Chinas no covid policy good chance it will not happen. Two years after China's government request/order for tourists to come home, no idea when they will return. Strange memories of 2020, on the cusp of the Year of the Rat, malls decorated. Within days the Chinese tourists dwindled, poof, gone. Now the Thai media tiptoes around and does not even mention them. 
 

36 minutes ago, blazes said:

Yes, this is well put.  These are the minimum standards you get everywhere in Europe, even in the poorer nations (like the Baltics), in Mexico and even in the poorest parts of America.

 

I suspect that the hi-so upper classes have rarely if ever visited a filthy beach in Thailand.  And quite possibly, despite their wealth, they may never have visited beaches in places like Spain or Portugal or Mexico or walked on perfectly smooth sidewalks or driven a car in a European or N American country, where people observe the unwritten rules of the road, like common politeness allowing someone ahead to change lanes. 

When your whole culture is isolationist, you can't even conceive of a different way of life that you can learn something from.

I hate social media, but I also think that the only hope for a better life in LoS will come from the younger generation's awareness of what life is like on the outside.

Your characterisation of Thai Hi-So is rubbish.  Most real hI-Sos have been educated in the west, often starting with private schools nd then university.  They own property in London, New York and the French riviera.  They own football clubs and companies in Europe and the USA. 

 

As to driver behaviour, I find some Thai drivers crazy but then so are many in Jacksonville, Florida and as for being polite, ask the Italians to give way. 

 

My father (English) arriving at the office one day when working in France complained to the secretary "how can you drive in a country where drivers do not stop at red lights?".  A few minutes later his Italian colleague entered and complained to the secretary "how can you drive in a country where drivers stop at a red light?".

 

Personally I would prefer more discipline and stiffer penalties - not just for the road but also cheats, murderers, rioters, looters, etc in all countries including the west.  

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Medical tourism is extremely popular, as Thailand offers a cheaper alternative to many Western hospitals.

Did you mean 'American hospitals', because as far as I can see Thailand is more expensive than any other western country. I'd go to India if I wanted cheap hospital treatment.

It may have a chance to recover IF and only IF TAT and other government related authorities start to SHUT UP from now on. They are the main reason for this "man made" disaster.  People from all over the world start to get fed up with Authorities and their silly "no make sense" rules. Millions lost their job and income except those I mentioned above.

 

Seriously? I - for one - can only see long gone charm with waste- and plastic bag covered beaches,  temples and cultural sites with dual pricing on the ratio upto 1:20 and formerly mouthwatering food which now is loaded with unnecessary sugar and MSG; latter being used by the grammes in Europe and here sold in, i.e. Makro, in 25kgs bags.

So, honestly, what the hell are those daydreamers talking about; Thailand has lost its plot long time before Covid-19, has been continuously run by pr1cks, thieves and clowns. 

Welcome to any other country but Thailand; latter a failed state by 75% crooks, cheaters and liars ???? 

I've been back to Pattaya for 3 weeks.  I am not finding that service has improved.  

 

Yesterday was another good example - small restaurant with foreign owner.  Thai server walks to my table and glares, until I order.  Not one word spoken.  Great food by the way, and I did receive "service", just not what I wanted or expected.  

 

Some of my friends have complained the same thing, making the comment that staff do not want to be too nice, because more foreigners might come and they will need to work harder.  It is tongue-in-cheek of course, but it shows that the problem exists.

 

It is no longer the land of smiles (at least, not in tourist areas); and now that 2 years has passed, the people who wanted to come to Thailand may have lost interest.

 

I will say the tour busses aren't missed.  

3 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

 

I can't see the bar scene returning as it was, given the on line alternative for companions. Perhaps some thing like Hua Hin had.

 

 

There have been plenty of grumbles from punters about online girls, imagine arranging a liaison with a 25 yo 50 kg photoshopped woman who turns up on your doorstep more like a 45 yo with a serious weight problem.

If I was still seeking female company, I'd want to see for myself, not through a phone photo.

Maybe the bar scene won't be as full-on, but there's still a place for it.

2 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

imagine arranging a liaison with a 25 yo 50 kg photoshopped woman who turns up on your doorstep more like a 45 yo with a serious weight problem.

I always arranged to meet them at a coffee shop near a 'resort', then if they didn't appear as advertised, I would just walk away. Not to mention my woman wouldn't like them turning up on our doorstep.

2 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

Thailand was built and prospered for a long time attracting those who came for the prostitution and hedonistic behaviour!

 

To attract a different type of tourist, they have to seriously upgrade their infrastructure, attitude, and their facilities because they are way below the standards expected to attract ' well heeled ' tourists.

 

It's one thing making brash statements they want it to be a family resort, it's another providing these facilities and backing them up with infrastructure long term to get the families coming.

 

"Thailand and families" does not have a great ring to it, nor is it known for it's family appeal..

 

It will be a long road to achieve this and will the Thai authorities give it time and be prepared to wait?............................ I doubt it.

Agreed, those who come for "the prostitution and hedonistic behaviour" will put up with a lot that the mainstream and high-end tourists won't.  Like many, I came for this, then fell in love with the country and the people - talking to Thais who aren't horizontal at the time does help with this.  ????

 

I've been coming for over 20 years (live here now) and do miss the "less controlled" society we had then.  But, as I age, I find that I do miss the organisation and consistency of the UK. 

 

Not leaving though, Thailand has its good points - climate for one, friendly natives for another.  ????

 

 

5 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Tourism in Thailand will never recover to pre-COVID levels until the Thai government gets rid of all the entry requirements created in response to COVID.

I've advised my friends in Australia there is a risk of being hauled off to quarantine at considerable expense for 14 days if they contract COVID while they are here.

Thailand is an attractive tourist destination, it is all the regulations that make it unattractive. A fourth grade kid could see that.

Agree in part, though Thailand is not alone with continued border controls, which really aren't that onerous these days. Just got back.

Risk of being hauled off to quarantine if contracting Covid here? How would that happen unless you got ill and went to hospital? I got Covid from stepdaughter 4th day back, and one week later was negative. Being triple vaxed obviously helped, and there was never any risk of quarantine. 

Thailand has the 4th largest number of national parks of any country in the world, many incredible temples, delightful people who are still smiling and great food. Tourism will come back and pity the authorities are now playing it way too cautious with Omicron a blessing, not a curse.

5 hours ago, hioctane said:

Yeah. No one is on the beach nor at a bar or "disco" with a mask on.

I agree. I went out Sat night in BKK and was at a beach a few days ago.  No one was wearing a mask. The dance floors were full. Music played till about 1am which is a little different but I was ready to leave anyways. I think the BKK population is quite vaccinated and I know all the tourists I met were. The tourists also went through 3 tests in order to be out as well. One before leaving and as we know day 1 and day 5 after arriving. 

2 hours ago, thaibook said:

That is irrelevant to where westerners choose to holiday.  Actually many Thai people holiday in Vietnam as it is cheaper than Thailand - unless you benefit from the government's 50% discount scheme.

In my understanding, the lack of respect is taken as one of the main reason to choose another country for holidays or long term stay. Besides, in general terms:

The point is, we have privileges, and on top of that we keep on complaining and getting offended. Yes, I cannot question the experience of others, but  as for my four years' experience in Thailand, either they lacked respect because I made a fool of myself or because, I guess, of a general contempt towards Western people and their behavior in Thailand. Fine, can live with that. Do we also ask to be loved and respected, in our condition of clear and unjustified privilege? Hatred (Contempt is a declination of hate) may have no acceptable reasons, but it may have justifications. Not accepting this assumption means not understanding the human nature.

3 hours ago, LivingNThailand said:

Phuket has had 2 full years to fix the roads, sidewalks and traffic problems with motorbikes driving crazy, wrong way, running lights, etc.  Also tear down the abandoned buildings and clear out the debris. Just those 4 things would improve the quality for the tourists (and locals).   Instead they have food festivals to "lure" the tourists.   I don't get it.  It's not rocket science guys.  It could have been done in months.   I was a "tourist" 3 months after the Tsunami.  I was amazed how fast they fixed up the tourist areas, fixed the roads and sidewalks.    The government has completely lost sight of a real plan.  It's too bad.

1. This current administration is lost to a extent few others before it have been. 

 

2. The ability to take responsibility for a problem and fix it is rare here. It requires non existent "official humility", adult minds, and a true desire to improve. 

 

3. Improving is something that requires vision. Not possible with a retrograde goon squad. 

 

4. Thailand is moving backwards, and losing much of the momentum it gained over the past 40 years. Many foreign investors, and even many Japanese companies are having a re-think. Do we want to stick with the regressive goons? Or find someplace that embraces the concept of progress? 

 

 

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Medical tourism is extremely popular, as Thailand offers a cheaper alternative to many Western hospitals.

Here in Phuket, the "medical tourism hub" of Thailand, you can't get a simple bone scan, not available, some MRI's take 1-2 days to read in BKK.  There's more but I can't remember all of the medical proceedures that are not available here.  Mr. Phitphat was here a week or so ago and "toured" the proposed new International Medical Center for Medical Tourism by BOAT.   Not sure how that works since the new "proposed" Medical Center is inland.  I have to admit, my overall medical bills, so far, have been inexpensive compared to US standards, but I wouldn't travel halfway around the world to go to the hospital or doctor to have something done.   

4 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Agree, but the gale force winds and torrential rain put me off a bit.

I lived and worked in Glasgow for 6 summer months, once the windows to my apartment were blown out, it also rained every day.

You had glass in your windows in Glasgow? Very posh.... most have a mix of glass and masking tape!

6 hours ago, Isaan sailor said:

So let’s get on with it.  Why wait?

The soldiers in government are happy the way things are, the average Thai and their livelihood means nothing to them, then of course there are the thousands of protesters that will have to be dealt with, and that will be no walk in the park.

4 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

Agree with you completely.

 

I have also had to take tuk tuk drivers in Cambodia to one side, when I have taken family and friends there, and make them understand that two days is quite enough for Angkor Wat for the majority of western tourists, and beautful as they are, we do not require a SEVEN day pass to see these wonders from dawn till dusk on a daily basis!

 

Food? Indian food is great, Vietnamese food is good, Cambodian food cooked properly is mouthwatering. Singapore has foods from every corner of the earth with prices and budgets to suit. Their street food and open cafes are a delight.

 

Beaches? I would not rate Thailand as even halfway in the clean beaches guide, except for some of the smaller islands.

 

I think in these CCSA and TAT meetings they must be full of ' Yes  men ' and too afraid to speak out and tell those in power the honest truth, Thailand is just not ' that special ' anymore and hasnt been for a long time.

Not since 2014 anyway.

A simple equation the government don't seem able or willing to grasp...... restrictions equals far fewer tourists, remove restrictions and you will see many more returning although I think it will take many years, if ever, to return to pre covid numbers.

There is nothing wrong in giving Thailand a good scrubbing to encourage better quality tourism rather than sex tourists. Infact, it might drive the tourism spend up as families will be more open to coming to Thailand, lower crime, better image. 

4 hours ago, RAZZELL said:

I have recently been to Chaweng in Samui and it was like a scene from a Zombie apocalypse movie. Around 80% of all businesses closed and the beaches deserted.

Sounds like an improvement, swore I would never go back but maybe.