Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke has refuted recent claims about deserted tourist spots in Thailand, specifically Cha-am Beach and Amphawa Floating Market.

 

Reports circulating on social media suggested a decline in visitors to these attractions, supported by a viral video depicting an empty Cha-am Beach on a Sunday and assertions of low footfall at Amphawa Floating Market amid economic challenges.

 

Chai condemned these reports as fake news aimed at damaging Thailand's tourism reputation, emphasizing that both destinations continue to attract tourists.

 

He cited the Thai Hotels Association (THA) president and local business owners who affirmed that Cha-am Beach remains popular, with hotel occupancy rates ranging from 50% to 60%. Bookings for an upcoming holiday indicate a promising 70% to 75% occupancy.

 

Furthermore, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officials visited Cha-am Beach, reporting higher activity levels than suggested by viral posts.

 

Similarly, at Amphawa Floating Market, TAT representatives observed a steady flow of Thai and international visitors enjoying the market's offerings. While acknowledging a post-pandemic recovery phase, local officials noted significant tourist interest, especially from Chinese travelers.

 

Addressing concerns raised by the viral video, Amphawa subdistrict mayor Krittaya Meetawee clarified that the footage captured an area outside the main tourist zone. He reassured that economic challenges faced by some market businesses have been addressed, with operations fully resumed.

 

In conclusion, both Cha-am Beach and Amphawa Floating Market remain vibrant tourist destinations despite misleading social media reports, reaffirmed by local authorities and tourism officials.

 

TOP: Cha-am beach. File photo courtesy: Wikimedia

 

-- 2024-07-16

 

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Arriving into swampy there is no mad rush that used to be prevalent all thru the year. Things have cooled off for Asean in general with the ridiculous yen and krw.

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Chai condemned these reports as fake news aimed at damaging Thailand's tourism reputation,

 

If these reports were true it would make visiting much more appealing.

5 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

If these reports were true it would make visiting much more appealing.

Oh stop being logical remember where you are..........

Living here I heard the same complaints in Cha Am.. but tourists are not allowed to bring blanket, chair or whatever on the beach because the stalles and restaurants say so.. Many disputes but the RTP ( of course) doesn't help.... The beach is public but many claim that they have to rent a chair, table or blanket or are not allowed to sit somewhere.... There are always people of course but much much less than previous.. Next thing will be that these restaurants/stalles are starting to complain and ask for help, but they are ones who ruined their own business No need to help them

We are busy, we are very busy, people should not forget Thailand is the center of the known universe, and everybody wants to come here. It would be absolutely impossible that things were quiet, people are clamoring to come here, they're coming here by the tens of millions. We're preparing for 150 million tourists annually, within the next few years because we consider our country to be the foremost destination in the world.

 

So please don't lie and please don't mislead people into thinking that we have a low season, and there are less tourists than normal. Show some respect! If you don't, we might lock you up. 

Who are YOU going to believe, viral posts from people who are there, or visits from TAT employees!! They don't have a great record in counting. 

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

Living here I heard the same complaints in Cha Am.. but tourists are not allowed to bring blanket, chair or whatever on the beach because the stalles and restaurants say so.. Many disputes but the RTP ( of course) doesn't help.... The beach is public but many claim that they have to rent a chair, table or blanket or are not allowed to sit somewhere.... There are always people of course but much much less than previous.. Next thing will be that these restaurants/stalles are starting to complain and ask for help, but they are ones who ruined their own business No need to help them

Agreed Cha-am is just a mess, beach road dominated by vendors and parking is a nightmare.. the beach is a nightmare too.

Have lived on KP for years and except for Covid this is the quietest I have ever seen.  Having said that it suits me but it’s not good for those who have a business and have to pay staff 

We stopped day tripping their with kids etc after seeing a dog s**t on the beach and watch the s**t roll out into some kids playing in the shallows.

6 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

Have lived on KP for years and except for Covid this is the quietest I have ever seen.  Having said that it suits me but it’s not good for those who have a business and have to pay staff 

Pardon my ignorance, but KP? 

Was at Koh Saned on Sunday, pictures from different beaches

I took my visiting daughter to Cha-am on the 9th July and it was deserted. I told her it was normally very busy and I had never seen it so devoid of people. 

A picture's worth a thousand lies. 

Doesn't look different since 2012 to me. Poor infrastructure, low hygiene and stray dogs. Not worth to travel from Bangkok. Accommodation? Just 400-500thb guest houses. Nothing interesting at all.

The photo is definitely from a Saturday or Sunday when people are coming from Bangkok. I was in Cha Am from November to April and yes, there were few to very few people in Cha Am. There is no variety in Cha Am like in Pattaya apart from lying on the beach, if there is still a beach!

Ah  no tourists

Where is TAT to make up some figures when you need them!

Some tam break

Call for him to refute his statement. 

I just spent all day Sunday at Ch-am beach when we arrived it was very quiet, around 9am. Within the first 2 hours relaxing on a beach chair (30 baht) we probably had 15-20 vendors trying to sell a variety of things. My friend being Thai was asking everyone how business was and they all said it’s been very slow. But by 2pm it looked very busy, up and down beach road, in my opinion. 
is it possible the economy or the terrible road construction going and coming from Bangkok could be a factor! It is ridiculous at the moment, hopefully the new elevated highway is done soon.

59 minutes ago, cowellandrew said:

Ah  no tourists

Where is TAT to make up some figures when you need them!

Some tam break

Maybe not on the beaches but there were thousands at IconSiam when I went a fortnight ago. All waiting for the evening river boats. We were the last one out and I must have seen about a dozen go before us CP Princess alone had 7 go out that I saw and they can carry 5 - 6 hundred passengers.

First interaction I have had with tourists in a long time, never again, too old for the crowds and the noise.

The photo's are fake, nobody is pointing.

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Agreed Cha-am is just a mess, beach road dominated by vendors and parking is a nightmare.. the beach is a nightmare too.

I have never understood the appeal of Cha-Am, other than the fact that it's relatively close to the Bangkok metro area. It is not a particular nice beach, it's jam-packed on the weekends, the vendors are out of control, the area can get very congested, and there are a few nice hotels, but there's a lot of junky places too. I just don't get it, never have, never will. 

 

It reminds one of a 3rd world version of Bondi Beach. Or Kuta in Bali. Both are horrific. 

So is their theory that crowded beaches are more enticing for visitors and therefore it’s essential to deny that beaches are uncrowded. 🤷‍♂️

 

sounds like they are arguing against themselves to me.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Chai condemned these reports as fake news aimed at damaging Thailand's tourism reputation, emphasizing that both destinations continue to attract tourists.

How does saying there are no tourists damage in this way? 

It is rainy season now. Who wants to go into the rain to the floating market or the beach when rain is forecasted and flood warnings are issued weekly. 

48 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

I have never understood the appeal of Cha-Am, other than the fact that it's relatively close to the Bangkok metro area. It is not a particular nice beach, it's jam-packed on the weekends, the vendors are out of control, the area can get very congested, and there are a few nice hotels, but there's a lot of junky places too. I just don't get it, never have, never will. 

 

It reminds one of a 3rd world version of Bondi Beach. Or Kuta in Bali. Both are horrific. 

You should see Rayong, sheesh, it makes Cha Am look like Fort Lauderdale!

53 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

I have never understood the appeal of Cha-Am, other than the fact that it's relatively close to the Bangkok metro area. It is not a particular nice beach, it's jam-packed on the weekends, the vendors are out of control, the area can get very congested, and there are a few nice hotels, but there's a lot of junky places too. I just don't get it, never have, never will. 

 

It reminds one of a 3rd world version of Bondi Beach. Or Kuta in Bali. Both are horrific. 

I pass through Cha-am and keep heading further south to some real gems... Cha-am is a train wreck

2 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I pass through Cha-am and keep heading further south to some real gems... Cha-am is a train wreck

Lived in Hua Hin for over ten years, only time we went to Cha-Am is when we played in a pool friendly. Always better to go, as you say, farther South, some real Gems for sure, just hope time does not spoil them with too much tourism.

5 hours ago, ashkale said:

Arriving into swampy there is no mad rush that used to be prevalent all thru the year. Things have cooled off for Asean in general with the ridiculous yen and krw.

I love when Thai officials donot know when low season is upon us

6 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

If these reports were true it would make visiting much more appealing.

Seems like an own goal.

..... if i was a hotel owner at 50% occupancy I would not be happy.