Business leader sees tourism as key to Thailand’s economic growth

[snoop1130]

 

With Thailand’s new government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Pheu Thai Party, finally in place, there is growing anticipation among Thai business leaders for a swift economic recovery.

 

In a recent interview with Thai PBS World, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Sanan Angubolkul, said tourism plays a vital role in driving the economy. He urged the government to relax visa rules for tourists quickly, especially for those from China who currently have to go through a lengthy visa application procedure.

 

“The new government has to attract more tourists to Thailand. This year, we have set a target of 28 to 30 million tourists, including 5 million from China. So far, only 1.8 million Chinese tourists have arrived. The new government should facilitate the electronic visa process, because the current procedure is very inconvenient for Chinese tourists and it takes too long. Another issue is that there are not enough flights on which Chinese tourists can fly in,” he said.

 

Caption: Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Sanan Angubolkul, talked with Thai PBS World’s Franc Han Shih.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/business-leader-sees-tourism-as-key-to-thailands-economic-growth/

 

-- Thai PBS 2023-09-06

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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[3NUMBAS]

the worlds a different place post covid so the normal rules dont apply any more

[retarius]

Tourism is a fickle mistress. I wouldn't want my growth tied up in tourism thank you very much. Low margin and subject to too many risks.

[Shop mak]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

including 5 million from China. So far, only 1.8 million Chinese tourists have arrived. The new government should facilitate the electronic visa process, because the current procedure is very inconvenient for Chinese tourists and it takes too long. Another issue is that there are not enough flights on which Chinese tourists can fly in,” he said.

Thai airways could create new routes asap, and landing slots wouldn't be a problem. Win Win.

 

Only 4 months left of this year so 3,0 million chinese arrivals would be more realistic, only if TG started new routes now.

 

Thailand still depends too much on tourism.

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

He urged the government to relax visa rules for tourists quickly, especially for those from China who currently have to go through a lengthy visa application procedure.

The problem is that criminals are coming in on the relaxed tourist visas and setting up dubious businesses and harming the economy.

China has unfortunately shot itself in the foot for a free visa on arrival, some checks need to be done prior to boarding.

Phuket is starting to learn that the en-masse arrival of thousands of Russians, initially welcomed is also going to turn around and bite them in the ass.

[mfd101]

Tourism is the lazy country's way of running an economy.

 

Over-reliance on tourism leads to nothing good. Ecological devastation among other ills, and low skill levels. Confirming Thailand's longterm Second/Third World status.

[statman78]

What a difference a couple of years make.  As Covid basically killed tourism here in Thailand along with devastating the Thai economy, the “experts” were saying that the Thai economy needed to diversify away from their heavy reliance on tourism.  Now, the “experts” say that the way to improve the Thai economy is to expand tourism.

 

And, of course, let’s not forget the push to get “quality” tourists.  I’m sure Thailand will get plenty of quality tourists by reducing or eliminating visa requirements.

Edited September 7, 2023 by statman78

[shackleton]

Well at last someone who reliases Tourism is the big money ???? earner in Thailand 

Should be looking at longer stays visa wise  60 days instead of 30 on arrival 

Noticed it's gone quite on the arrival tax for medical cover ????

It was a non starter in the first place  

[Partenavia]

There seems to be a fixation with Chinese tourists!!

[greeneking]

16 hours ago, shackleton said:

Well at last someone who reliases Tourism is the big money ???? earner in Thailand 

Should be looking at longer stays visa wise  60 days instead of 30 on arrival 

Noticed it's gone quite on the arrival tax for medical cover ????

It was a non starter in the first place  

Why not 90? Doesn't seem to harm Malaysia.

[soi3eddie]

"Eggs in one basket" is a phrase the springs to mind. If the new government was clever they would drop the fixation of Chinese tourism. All tourists help the Thai economy, not just Chinese.

Not just the above, but they should be attracting investment in industry such as manufacturing (cars and technolgy). At one time, almost all the Hard Drives sold seemed to have a "Made in Thailand" mark. In these days of Solid State Drives, maybe the Thais could offer incentives to technology companies to establish factories in Thailand.