Things we notice :

 

An an everlasting strong baht meaning wars, Trump high tariffs, tourist numbers down, ever growing job lay offs,  can happen but Thai Baht always remains strong. Why? 

250 baht charge for all Tourists using ATMs  Why is it up? 

Bank ATM, tourist currency rates, quite unfavourable for the pound, dollar etc., 

6 hours ago, morrobay said:

Alot of Indians but what about them is the problem?  Can't get off the anti Indian bandwagon? .Not really drinkers and trouble makers, few smoke cigarettes. Unlike the sh*t lode of these always smoking korean male clones infestation in Pattaya. And if Pattaya city cared any thing about safety , a city that gets billions of baht from tourism. They would build alot of pedestrian bridges. Instead of concreting the environment. That and flyovers at major intersections. Unless a Western administrator is installed tourism is cooked.

 

 

- Open soliticiation of prostitues in large groups. Even if families are around they will do it, ultimately without shame

- demanding discounts from vulnerable prostitutes to go with them in large groups at discounts.

- believing most women (especially Thai) maybe prostitutes. Meaning women find it hard to enjoy. I travelled to Phuket and the nicer areas of Pattaya, but even then my female colleagues would not stop being propositioned by packs of Indian men. It was demeaning to witness.

- From a business perspective they turn away other tourists.

- Very cheap. Not uncommon for them to share drinks, have 10 sleep in a room, videos circulating of them sleeping on beaches, etc 

 

NOT ALL INDIANS ARE BAD. The educated, middle class are the type of tourist that should be encouraged to visit, just like anywhere in the world with appropriate visas. But the open border policy has allowed a terrible class of visitors to arrive.

 

In essense it should be quality over quantity. India does not even grant Thais visa free.

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Plenty of western backpackers in Chiang Mai at the moment.

Yes, Chang Mai has always been popular and busy with younger middle aged couples , younger tourists, students, gap year, better educated Scandinavian/EU tourists,  etc - its obviously not for the older chaps of wild west Pattaya because Chang Mai offers something different and is closer to borders as often Western Pack backers are going further a field to neighbouring countries. Also of course last 5 weeks or so is European peak summer holidays for colleges and universities etc  

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of The Investor

 

Thailand’s tourism sector has encountered a stumbling block as the Tourism and Sports Ministry announced a 7% drop in foreign arrivals this year. This unexpected decrease has prompted officials to once again adjust their growth forecasts downwards.

 

From the start of the year until 17th August, Thailand received 20.81 million international visitors, which marks a 7.04% decline compared to the same period last year. Notably, China continues to be the largest source of visitors, contributing 2.93 million travellers to the country’s popular attractions.

 

This downturn is a setback for Thailand’s ambitions to reclaim its status as a top global destination. Just yesterday, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) revised its annual visitor forecast, lowering expectations from 37 million to 33 million arrivals. While this figure is significant, it falls short of the nearly 40 million tourists Thailand welcomed in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on international travel.

 

Industry experts attribute the decline to ongoing challenges, including fierce regional competition and global economic uncertainties. Factors such as the rising cost of living, weaker currencies, and concerns over safety and infrastructure are also influencing visitor numbers.

 

A tourism analyst commented, “Thailand must diversify its markets and enhance infrastructure to keep pace with destinations like Vietnam and Malaysia.”

 

The decreasing arrivals pose challenges for Thailand’s broader economic landscape. Tourism is crucial, contributing around 12% to the nation’s GDP. Authorities had anticipated a robust high season to fuel economic growth, but the NESDC’s downgraded forecast now adds pressure on Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira’s administration to introduce measures that can boost both spending and visitor numbers.

 

Nevertheless, there are reasons for cautious optimism. European flights are on the rise, and Middle Eastern markets are proving resilient. Officials are also hopeful that upcoming festivals and visa-free entry initiatives will attract more tourists in the year’s final quarter.

 

As Thailand navigates these hurdles, it remains crucial for the country to adapt and innovate to stay competitive in the vibrant tourism arena. With strategic efforts and international collaborations, the nation aims to bounce back stronger and appeal to a wider array of global travellers.

 

Thailand is now focused on reshaping its tourism strategy to better weather economic fluctuations and tap into emerging markets. The path forward may be challenging, but with careful planning and execution, the nation seeks to revitalise its tourism sector and underpin long-term growth.

 

By capitalising on its unique cultural offerings and strengthening market appeal, Thailand hopes to build a robust tourism industry capable of weathering future challenges and seizing new opportunities.

I wonder how many Thai's and Falangs would say it's better in Thailand with the number of tourists now vs the 90's and earlier?

9 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

OPen door immigration policy to blame. Immediate restrictions for Indians.

 

Ban marijuana.

 

Invest in policing for safety for visitors. 

 

Hardcore on banning all scams. 

 

 

Did an Indian steal your girlfriend or what? Every post from you on this forum includes bashing on Indians.

10 minutes ago, captain_shane said:

Did an Indian steal your girlfriend or what? Every post from you on this forum includes bashing on Indians.

 

Go ask Thais what their thoughts on Indians are. 

 

Have no problem with Indian people. I have indian relatives. My problem is from a tourist point of view - cheap mass tourism comes at a cost. 

 

Vietnam has a sensible policy - they will need a visa to enter Vietnam, along with booked accomodation. That weeds out those who plan to share 10 to a room, etc In essense you get the decent type of visitor you want. 

Just now, DonniePeverley said:

 

Go ask Thais what their thoughts on Indians are. 

They clearly don't mind them because they're inviting millions upon millions to come and they want even more, and I really don't care about what prostitutes think about their prospects.

7 minutes ago, captain_shane said:

They clearly don't mind them because they're inviting millions upon millions to come and they want even more, and I really don't care about what prostitutes think about their prospects.

 

GO ASK THEM. What they think, to what the immigration policy is another thing. 

Just now, DonniePeverley said:

 

GO ASK THEM. What they think, to what the immigration policy is another thing. 

Thai's don't care about anyone except for Thai people unless you have money. If you have money they'll love you, if you don't you're Farang Khii Nok. They also hate Cambodians and Burmese and anyone else deemed poorer or darker skin.

6 minutes ago, captain_shane said:

Thai's don't care about anyone except for Thai people unless you have money. If you have money they'll love you, if you don't you're Farang Khii Nok. They also hate Cambodians and Burmese and anyone else deemed poorer or darker skin.

 

Dude, just ask them. 

Just now, DonniePeverley said:

 

Dude, just ask them. 

I have. They don't care at all. They don't care about anyone except for Thai's unless the person has money. You could be a walking pile of feces and it wouldn't matter as long as you have money.

Double post

The solution to the drop in tourist numbers is obvious: Impose the long-debated tourist tax.

2 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Go ask Thais what their thoughts on Indians are.

I don't need to ask racists their opinion of other racists!

It sounds like the TAT has been expecting the number of tourists visiting Thailand to go up every year ad infinitum, regardless of the economy, border skirmishes or competition. There has to be a ceiling, or the tourists will outnumber the Thais.

If only the government invested in manufacturing and future technology...

Its quite simple, the tourists and their dollars have found places which offer much better value. Thailands larger cities in the rush to make back lost monies have outpriced themselves post Covid! 

12 hours ago, morrobay said:

Alot of Indians but what about them is the problem?  Can't get off the anti Indian bandwagon? .Not really drinkers and trouble makers, few smoke cigarettes. Unlike the sh*t lode of these always smoking korean male clones infestation in Pattaya. And if Pattaya city cared any thing about safety , a city that gets billions of baht from tourism. They would build alot of pedestrian bridges. Instead of concreting the environment. That and flyovers at major intersections. Unless a Western administrator is installed tourism is cooked.

Exactly. I never saw Iindian people causing trouble in Thailand. Most of them are cheap Charlies, and also have specific expectations re. food and entertainment, so they don't really overlap with "quality" tourists who stay and consume in different places. They are a bit overwhelming in some places such as WS, but it's not really a place for families.

 

Actually, they also allow rather poor Thai people to make a living, those who are only able to provide cheap products and services, I.e. cheap accomodation, cheap street food, unattractive girls, etc...

 

What they should do in Pattaya is to clear beach road of prostitution. I'm not against prostitution, but it should be a place where families, foreign and Thai, could have a walk and enjoy fresh air at night, without the overwhelming sight of prostitution.

 

40 minutes ago, candide said:

What they should do in Pattaya is to clear beach road of prostitution. I'm not against prostitution, but it should be a place where families, foreign and Thai, could have a walk and enjoy fresh air at night, without the overwhelming sight of prostitution.

 

That's what Jomtien is for.

17 minutes ago, captain_shane said:

That's what Jomtien is for.

 

 

The indians are taking over Jomtien too, judging by last night. 

15 hours ago, morrobay said:

Alot of Indians but what about them is the problem?  Can't get off the anti Indian bandwagon? .Not really drinkers and trouble makers, few smoke cigarettes. Unlike the sh*t lode of these always smoking korean male clones infestation in Pattaya. And if Pattaya city cared any thing about safety , a city that gets billions of baht from tourism. They would build alot of pedestrian bridges. Instead of concreting the environment. That and flyovers at major intersections. Unless a Western administrator is installed tourism is cooked.

It’s the Vindaloo whiff. 

9 hours ago, captain_shane said:

I wonder how many Thai's and Falangs would say it's better in Thailand with the number of tourists now vs the 90's and earlier?

 

Just now, geisha said:

 

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot,

with a pink hotel, a boutique and a swinging hot spot

Dont it always seem to go

That you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone

                                             Joni Mitchell.

19 minutes ago, geisha said:

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot,

with a pink hotel, a boutique and a swinging hot spot

Dont it always seem to go

That you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone

                                             Joni Mitchell.

 

joni nailed it

14 hours ago, Purdey said:

It sounds like the TAT has been expecting the number of tourists visiting Thailand to go up every year ad infinitum, regardless of the economy, border skirmishes or competition. There has to be a ceiling, or the tourists will outnumber the Thais.

If only the government invested in manufacturing and future technology...

 

That would probably start by requiring some sort of upgrade of the education system which never seems to be on the agenda. Tourism conveniently sucks up a mass of unskilled low educated workers.