Solutions Sought for Dealing with Unruly Tourists in Mae Hong Son

[webfact]

File photo for reference only.

 

The picturesque province of Mae Hong Son, a famous destination for both local and international tourists, has found itself grappling with the challenge of maintaining its tranquil charm amidst an influx of tourists. The enchanting allure of this region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness, often attracts diverse groups, including those occasionally pushing the limits of acceptable behaviour.

 

Recently, tensions surfaced in the district of Pai, a hotspot within Mae Hong Son, where reports of unruly tourist behaviour have unsettled residents.

 

An incident that particularly sparked local ire involved several Israeli tourists who caused a commotion at a local hospital, leading to their deportation. Such episodes have brought to light issues like public marijuana smoking, traffic violations, and illegal employment, prompting communities to call for more stringent governance and regulations.

 

Chaivit Summachewawat, vice-president of the Pai Tourism Business Association, underscored the need for an equilibrium between economic prosperity from tourism and the well-being of local communities. "We need to enforce laws more stringently for those who flout rules.

 

Perhaps a dedicated task force comprising tourist police and related authorities could manage the swell in tourist numbers," suggested Mr. Chaivit.

 

In response to these escalating concerns, Mae Hong Son's Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office has teamed up with local stakeholders and government entities to address these issues.

Phanuwat Khatnak, TAT's regional director, stated that strategies are being devised to tackle tourist misconduct, particularly regarding public disturbances and marijuana usage. The implementation of multilingual advisory signage at major tourist sites has been one immediate step towards rectifying the situation.

 

Furthermore, to curb the party culture that has seeped into activities like tubing along the Pai River, tighter controls on alcohol consumption and behaviour are being enforced.

 

Tour operators have been reminded of their responsibility to guide tourists in respecting the local environment and community peace. Operators failing to comply may face penalties, including fines or jeopardy to their licenses.

 

Despite these challenges, Mr. Phanuwat remains optimistic, noting that most local businesses continue to welcome tourists with open arms. The TAT is actively promoting lesser-known districts to alleviate the pressure on Pai, diversifying tourist experiences across the region.

 

Last year, Mae Hong Son entertained 1.4 million visitors, contributing a robust 7.5 billion baht to the local economy, and estimates suggest an 8 billion baht economic inflow this year.

 

While international tourists make up over 30% of this influx, primarily from countries like the UK, Israel, and Germany, it is crucial for both economic and social harmony that visitor behaviour aligns with local cultural and social norms, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

[Harrisfan]

It is just Pai, one town, not the whole province.

[hotsun]

Thailand will wish they had this problem in the future, when it will no longer be considered a cool destination for young people. Thailand will be recognized as a major polluter and contributor to the climate change narrative with the rest of Asia

[BritManToo]

They want our money, but they don't want us.

As for respecting the environment, I'll bet we leave less litter than a crowd of Thais.  

[Gottfrid]

1 hour ago, Harrisfan said:

It is just Pai, one town, not the whole province.

Yeah, looks to me that it can´t be that hard to control.
 

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

They want our money, but they don't want us.

As for respecting the environment, I'll bet we leave less litter than a crowd of Thais.  

Oh, yes they do want us, and of course the money. What country don´t? It´s just that we have to behave a bit better and understand the cultural norms as well as the laws in the countries we visit. As for the littering part, you just don´t have a clue about that.

[BritManToo]

7 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Oh, yes they do want us, and of course the money. What country don´t? It´s just that we have to behave a bit better and understand the cultural norms as well as the laws in the countries we visit. As for the littering part, you just don´t have a clue about that.

You are not part of my 'we' (NES only).

[Gottfrid]

12 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

You are not part of my 'we' (NES only).

Can´t care less. In this case we was equal to what "all" must do.

[hotandsticky]

16 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

  As for the littering part, you just don´t have a clue about that.

 

 

Are you for real ?  

[pomchop]

looks like maybe a lot of the old vang vien crowd has moved to pai....vang vien was over the top out of control few years back but apparently the laos govt put an end to most of the river song bars  and float trips etc as too many overdoses and injuries and bad press etc....vang vien is a beautiful spot and probably even better now without hoards of drunk drugged up idiots roaming the area.

[Gottfrid]

23 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Are you for real ?  

Yes, I am. Means that I am not following the trend, to look down on Thai that seems to be the par on this forum. 

[hotandsticky]

1 minute ago, Gottfrid said:

Yes, I am. Means that I am not following the trend, to look down on Thai that seems to be the par on this forum. 

 

 

Your view is somewhat distorted if you ever think that the Thais, in general, are better at litter control than foreigners.

[Yagoda]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

They want our money, but they don't want us.

As for respecting the environment, I'll bet we leave less litter than a crowd of Thais.  

That Thai attitude is even more palpable once you get out of there and move to Cambodia, who also are litter pigs.

[Yagoda]

18 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Yes, I am. Means that I am not following the trend, to look down on Thai that seems to be the par on this forum. 

Well Im an American so I rightfully look down on others.

 

Outside the blue cities in the USA, you dont see litter everywhere.  We clean. And toss an empty can out the window when riding past that Trooper to see how things work.

 

Last time I was in Frankfurt it was looking a bit like Thailand though.

 

Cambodia is a pig sty when it comes to litter.

[ChrisY1]

51 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Your view is somewhat distorted if you ever think that the Thais, in general, are better at litter control than foreigners.

It's never a competition....!

[BritManToo]

58 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Yes, I am. Means that I am not following the trend, to look down on Thai that seems to be the par on this forum. 

I agree with you ..........

[MikeandDow]

The RTP need to get of there arse and do there job

[spidermike007]

Increase the requirements for visas, screen all Chinese and Russians, and stop the utter desperation for ever higher tourists arrival numbers. 

 

Problem solved. 

[Tropicalevo]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

particularly regarding public disturbances and marijuana usage

 

As ye sow, so shall ye reap.

Decriminalising weed and then pretending that recreational weed is legal was a huge mistake Thailand.

Just enforce the laws.

Dope-head Anutin strikes again.

[newbee2022]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

File photo for reference only.

 

The picturesque province of Mae Hong Son, a famous destination for both local and international tourists, has found itself grappling with the challenge of maintaining its tranquil charm amidst an influx of tourists. The enchanting allure of this region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness, often attracts diverse groups, including those occasionally pushing the limits of acceptable behaviour.

 

Recently, tensions surfaced in the district of Pai, a hotspot within Mae Hong Son, where reports of unruly tourist behaviour have unsettled residents.

 

An incident that particularly sparked local ire involved several Israeli tourists who caused a commotion at a local hospital, leading to their deportation. Such episodes have brought to light issues like public marijuana smoking, traffic violations, and illegal employment, prompting communities to call for more stringent governance and regulations.

 

Chaivit Summachewawat, vice-president of the Pai Tourism Business Association, underscored the need for an equilibrium between economic prosperity from tourism and the well-being of local communities. "We need to enforce laws more stringently for those who flout rules.

 

Perhaps a dedicated task force comprising tourist police and related authorities could manage the swell in tourist numbers," suggested Mr. Chaivit.

 

In response to these escalating concerns, Mae Hong Son's Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office has teamed up with local stakeholders and government entities to address these issues.

 

Phanuwat Khatnak, TAT's regional director, stated that strategies are being devised to tackle tourist misconduct, particularly regarding public disturbances and marijuana usage. The implementation of multilingual advisory signage at major tourist sites has been one immediate step towards rectifying the situation.

 

Furthermore, to curb the party culture that has seeped into activities like tubing along the Pai River, tighter controls on alcohol consumption and behaviour are being enforced.

 

Tour operators have been reminded of their responsibility to guide tourists in respecting the local environment and community peace. Operators failing to comply may face penalties, including fines or jeopardy to their licenses.

 

Despite these challenges, Mr. Phanuwat remains optimistic, noting that most local businesses continue to welcome tourists with open arms. The TAT is actively promoting lesser-known districts to alleviate the pressure on Pai, diversifying tourist experiences across the region.

 

Last year, Mae Hong Son entertained 1.4 million visitors, contributing a robust 7.5 billion baht to the local economy, and estimates suggest an 8 billion baht economic inflow this year.

 

While international tourists make up over 30% of this influx, primarily from countries like the UK, Israel, and Germany, it is crucial for both economic and social harmony that visitor behaviour aligns with local cultural and social norms, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

The only powerful solution is OUT with them. No return 

[anfh]

Western societies have now bred disrespectful yobs due to lefty “ non disciple” education systems. The behaviour of the younger generation now is getting worse. 

[cmsally]

After scanning a few facebook pages, both Thai and English, it would seem there are a number of problems.

Firstly from the picture it is the tubing which would attract most of the lager louts who bring the usual problems.

Secondly you have the growing expat population who are a mixture. The combination of tourists and expats means the foreign population of Pai continues to grow and the native people feel outnumbered. A couple of Thai posts said the native population were being treated as "second class citizens" as the officials and some businessmen favoured the new arrivals whom they could make more money from. 

Thirdly you have the Israeli community who have apparently now established a religious centre with a resident rabbi. According to what I have read it is set up with armed guards and in the middle of a residential area. This has upset many people.

[Nick Carter icp]

10 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

The only powerful solution is OUT with them. No return 

 

  Brian from Ireland owned the bar where they were playing music .

What should happen to him ?

[Expat Tom]

Get serious. If they break to law (IF) then arrest and deport. If they are not breaking the law, leave them alone and be thankful for the money they spend. If you want to focus on a real problem how about all of the "Russian Girls...Aka Hookers" operating under neon lights on Walking Street or Selective biased traffic enforcement (Aka harassment) of farang on motorbikes while giving all Thai riders a free pass.

[NorthernRyland]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

We need to enforce laws more stringently for those who flout rules

 This would be splitting the atom for the Thai police.  Stop everything and learn to do this first, then come back and address the problem.

[jwl53]

The solutions are easy, the hard part is policing the solution, it's no good just saying we are going to do this and do that, talking shops don't work without enforcing the rules,

Make your decisions what your going to do then do it, get the police on the streets,not to get tea money but to enforce your laws, 

[newbee2022]

5 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  Brian from Ireland owned the bar where they were playing music .

What should happen to him ?

Order better behaving groups.

[simon43]

electric cattle prods.. easy solution!

[tjintx]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Increase the requirements for visas, screen all Chinese and Russians, and stop the utter desperation for ever higher tourists arrival numbers. 

 

Problem solved. 

 

How many Chinese and Russians do you see in that picture?

[Nick Carter icp]

4 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Order better behaving groups.

 

   Brian from Ireland was breaking the law by employing foreigners

What should happen to Brian from Ireland ?

 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The picturesque province of Mae Hong Son, a famous destination for both local and international tourists, has found itself grappling with the challenge of maintaining its tranquil charm amidst an influx of tourists.

Thailand's idea of sustainability... milk it for all it's worth.

Same as TAT's MO