Isaan Here We Come!

[george]

TAT sharpens focus on promoting the Northeast

KHON KAEN: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to declare 2008-2010 as the years of tourism for northeastern Thailand to increase overnight stays by visitors in the region.

According to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat, the TAT is introducing new tourism routes along the Mekong River, dinosaur fossils and cultural tourism in the Northeast, and Khmer and ancient civilisations of the region as part of the promotion plan.

The TAT also plans to hold tourism fairs in Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani.

According to a TAT study, average spending by visitors to northeastern provinces increased slightly over the last seven years from 1,497 baht per trip in 2001 baht to 1,546 baht in 2007.

The rates are still far below the national average of 5,000 baht per trip.

Tourist arrivals to northeastern provinces totalled 16.81 million in 2007 compared with 12.7 million in 2001, with revenue rising to 34.51 billion baht from 20.3 billion during the period.

Spending by Thai and foreign visitors in the region was also found to be not very different, in contrast to the spending structure in the South and North.

Foreign visitors to the Northeast spent an average of 1,931 baht per trip, with Thais spending 1,528 baht. In the South, average per capita spending of foreign visitors was 16,225 baht per trip, with Thais spending 4,025 baht.

Foreign visitors to the North spent 7,571 baht per trip and Thais 3,263 baht.

Mr Weerasak said the region itself needed improved facilities and tourism spots in order to attract visitors to take more overnight stays.

Sirirat Denvorapongsasuk, managing director of the Ubon Buri Hotel & Resort, said tourists mostly opted to use the northeastern provinces as the gateway to visit Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

She said the government should also help support the meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) industry, since the major cities in the region could accommodate meetings of more than 1,000 seats.

Suthat Praesurin, vice-chairman of the Tourism Association of Udon Thai province, said the government should persuade more low-cost airlines to stop over at northeastern airports to serve visitors travelling to and from neighbouring countries.

He said Airports of Thailand Plc should cut airport service fees to support interested airlines.

The budget carriers Tiger Air and Air Asia had earlier planned to operate flights to Udon Thani, but later changed to Vientiane because Thai airport fees were too high.

--Bangkok Post 2008-05-06

[TAWP]

One way to increase the spending per trip is to increase the prices.

(This could of course decrease the overall income with reduced tourists, but since they are only talking average...)

[geriatrickid]

An admirable goal. Unfortunately, if this provides spin offs for the local Isaan tourism industry, alot of places down in Bangkok, Patttycake town and Phuket are going to miss their cheap labour source that is so easily exploited. The establishments that profit from the poverty of the North that drives many decent people into employment as "special friends" may have to make do with the folks from Myanamar and Uzbekhistan. I really do hope the goal is achieved as Isaan could use the money generated by tourists and those folks deserve some benefit from the holiday dream industry.

Edited May 7, 2008 by geriatrickid

[astral]

According to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat, the TAT is introducing new tourism routes along the Mekong River, dinosaur fossils and cultural tourism in the Northeast, and Khmer and ancient civilisations of the region as part of the promotion plan.

How much is the government charging for foreigners to visit these "cultural" sites??

It doubled recently, if my memory serves me right.

That is definitely the way to encourage people to visit.

[The Vulcan]

According to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat, the TAT is introducing new tourism routes along the Mekong River, dinosaur fossils and cultural tourism in the Northeast, and Khmer and ancient civilisations of the region as part of the promotion plan.

How much is the government charging for foreigners to visit these "cultural" sites??

It doubled recently, if my memory serves me right.

That is definitely the way to encourage people to visit.

No it halved actually. It's now only 5 times more for foreigners to enter these boring and barren sites whereas previously the difference was 10 fold!

Its really encouraging to arrive at these places and the first thing you see is a sign advising that Thais enter for 40baht and foreigners pay 200/400baht.

Encouraged me to turn round and go elsewhere!

[jackspratt]

No it halved actually. It's now only 5 times more for foreigners to enter these boring and barren sites whereas previously the difference was 10 fold!

Its really encouraging to arrive at these places and the first thing you see is a sign advising that Thais enter for 40baht and foreigners pay 200/400baht.

Encouraged me to turn round and go elsewhere!

Are we to assume you only discovered these (unnamed) sites were boring and barren after you were required to pay the farang price?

Otherwise, why were you there?

And where elsewhere did you go - I assume to places neither boring nor barren, and a lot cheaper?

[geriatrickid]

Why are they deemed barren and boring?

As for the pricing, it is morally and economically justified. We're talking about 8 euro, 12USD, 1300 yen, etc. This is hardly predatory pricing or a hardship.

If a typical local resident makes do on 250 baht a day or less, then that 40 baht represents a significant chunk of the local's disposible income. The amount charged to a foreigner represents a very small percentage of the foreigner's disposable income.

A lower price for the locals enables the locals to be able to see their own national treasures. If the locals were wealthy and had the means to pay, one could sympathize with your complaint, but really now, we all know the locals are impoverished and don't have the money the tourists have. It may not be fair in your eyes, but as a means of ensuring equitable access, it is reasonable.

[Thai at Heart]

TAT sharpens focus on promoting the Northeast

KHON KAEN: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to declare 2008-2010 as the years of tourism for northeastern Thailand to increase overnight stays by visitors in the region.

According to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat, the TAT is introducing new tourism routes along the Mekong River, dinosaur fossils and cultural tourism in the Northeast, and Khmer and ancient civilisations of the region as part of the promotion plan.

The TAT also plans to hold tourism fairs in Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani.

According to a TAT study, average spending by visitors to northeastern provinces increased slightly over the last seven years from 1,497 baht per trip in 2001 baht to 1,546 baht in 2007.

The rates are still far below the national average of 5,000 baht per trip.

Tourist arrivals to northeastern provinces totalled 16.81 million in 2007 compared with 12.7 million in 2001, with revenue rising to 34.51 billion baht from 20.3 billion during the period.

Spending by Thai and foreign visitors in the region was also found to be not very different, in contrast to the spending structure in the South and North.

Foreign visitors to the Northeast spent an average of 1,931 baht per trip, with Thais spending 1,528 baht. In the South, average per capita spending of foreign visitors was 16,225 baht per trip, with Thais spending 4,025 baht.

Foreign visitors to the North spent 7,571 baht per trip and Thais 3,263 baht.

Mr Weerasak said the region itself needed improved facilities and tourism spots in order to attract visitors to take more overnight stays.

Sirirat Denvorapongsasuk, managing director of the Ubon Buri Hotel & Resort, said tourists mostly opted to use the northeastern provinces as the gateway to visit Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

She said the government should also help support the meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) industry, since the major cities in the region could accommodate meetings of more than 1,000 seats.

Suthat Praesurin, vice-chairman of the Tourism Association of Udon Thai province, said the government should persuade more low-cost airlines to stop over at northeastern airports to serve visitors travelling to and from neighbouring countries.

He said Airports of Thailand Plc should cut airport service fees to support interested airlines.

The budget carriers Tiger Air and Air Asia had earlier planned to operate flights to Udon Thani, but later changed to Vientiane because Thai airport fees were too high.

--Bangkok Post 2008-05-06

Other than MICE, I am still don't see what they are actually going to promote for expats.

We looked at bringing the company regional get together up here, but with the extra flight cost, and limited outside hotel entertainment, restaraunts and shopping, we are staying in Bangkok.

[TAWP]

Please tell me where I can go to get 10 times increase in salary in Thailand doing the same job. What, I cannot? Odd...and yet I'm expected to pay...

I thought the taxes I pay should be counting for something...but, alas...

[johnwills]

Tourist sites in Udon, that will take about 5 mins to see them all, assuming you haven't fallen asleep. I was asked a few years ago by a TAT representative what I thought of the tourist attractions in Udon, when I replied "is there any", she beat a hasty retreat, don't think much has changed since then.

[jstumbo]

An admirable goal. Unfortunately, if this provides spin offs for the local Isaan tourism industry, alot of places down in Bangkok, Patttycake town and Phuket are going to miss their cheap labour source that is so easily exploited. The establishments that profit from the poverty of the North that drives many decent people into employment as "special friends" may have to make do with the folks from Myanamar and Uzbekhistan. I really do hope the goal is achieved as Isaan could use the money generated by tourists and those folks deserve some benefit from the holiday dream industry.

The NE already gets a lot of the money that comes from farangs, from sponsorships, building homes and buying of cars. If they no longer come south to work, they would be losing those sources of income. I would imagine that a tourism job is not going to make up for the loss of some sponsor sending 25K per month for doing nothing but staying in Isaan.

[sunsamourai]

The NE already gets a lot of the money that comes from farangs, from sponsorships, building homes and buying of cars. If they no longer come south to work, they would be losing those sources of income. I would imagine that a tourism job is not going to make up for the loss of some sponsor sending 25K per month for doing nothing but staying in Isaan.

Well, going to Udon and Khon Kaen on a regular basis, I'm impressed that so much 'sponsorship' and other inputs to local economy comes from sponsoring a much younger woman. On that aspect of the situation, I guess that developping more local activities, natural, historical... etc can only do good.

The downturn would rather come from an ill intended/applied policy, wich would turn out to be incentives for promoteurs and investeurs of all kind to increase to price of the land through speculation like what happened in the south.

How can the regular local people afford to buy land now ? What will happen of those score of farmers who will be tricked into selling their land for the price of a car, and can hope nothing for their future ?

I hope this is not what will happen to Isaan in a near future, but I guess it will be unavoidble under the sacro-saint label of 'development' we hear so much from politicians...

Isaan is one of the few remaining easy going place at the moment in Thailand, enjoy while you still can !

[Seneque]

To pompously declare Northeastern Thailand ... tourism area for 2008-2010 ... and hope that tourists will joyfully come is purely ludicrous.

At least they will have the privilege to dring 'Isan' beer

[MISTERBONK]

Why are they deemed barren and boring?

As for the pricing, it is morally and economically justified. We're talking about 8 euro, 12USD, 1300 yen, etc. This is hardly predatory pricing or a hardship.

If a typical local resident makes do on 250 baht a day or less, then that 40 baht represents a significant chunk of the local's disposible income. The amount charged to a foreigner represents a very small percentage of the foreigner's disposable income.

A lower price for the locals enables the locals to be able to see their own national treasures. If the locals were wealthy and had the means to pay, one could sympathize with your complaint, but really now, we all know the locals are impoverished and don't have the money the tourists have. It may not be fair in your eyes, but as a means of ensuring equitable access, it is reasonable.

A 40bt entrance fee across the board would cover all overheads. I have seen situations where a compromise entrance fee was agreed upon for a mixed group of farangs and Thais, no tickets issued and presumably all the entrance fees being pocketed. If a farang is expected to pay a higher entrance fee, the very least the authorities could do would be to label the interesting points in both Thai and English (and maybe other languages too), insytaed of only in Thai.

Bear in mind that not all farang tourists have excessive amounts of money, whilst many Thais have considerably more. Have you never noticed at some of the dual priced attractions, the farangs arrive on the bus whilst the Thais step out of their Benz's and BMW's?

[LPCustom69]

I didn't realise that there were sponsors sending that kind of money. Wow, unbelievable.

An admirable goal. Unfortunately, if this provides spin offs for the local Isaan tourism industry, alot of places down in Bangkok, Patttycake town and Phuket are going to miss their cheap labour source that is so easily exploited. The establishments that profit from the poverty of the North that drives many decent people into employment as "special friends" may have to make do with the folks from Myanamar and Uzbekhistan. I really do hope the goal is achieved as Isaan could use the money generated by tourists and those folks deserve some benefit from the holiday dream industry.

The NE already gets a lot of the money that comes from farangs, from sponsorships, building homes and buying of cars. If they no longer come south to work, they would be losing those sources of income. I would imagine that a tourism job is not going to make up for the loss of some sponsor sending 25K per month for doing nothing but staying in Isaan.

[a99az]

First it is great to see that the TAT are going to promote the northeast and why not it has nice places and people. I do think charging to enter any site of special interests unreasonable it is the same world over but it would be good to see that they charge the same for all, after all it could only increase the number of visitors and with more visitors comes more spending.

Let’s just hopes that the northeast keeps it charm and not develop into another Pattycake.

[robint]

Unless you are an adventurous backpacker or someone with a local girl, there is very little to attract western visitors to the North East

There is an excellent ancient Kmer Site with extensive museum at Pimai 60 kms east of Khorat (which is 100 years older than Ankor wat btw) and also another at panom rung near Surin

Coach loads of pre-paid Package Tourists (mostly east asians ) are bussed in from bangkok to do the complete round trip in a day.

Their impact on the local economy is trivial

So Khon Khaen, dont hold your breath

btw dont get me wrong , I like the north east the way it is and am a well seasoned local but Isaan has very little to offfer the average Western tourist compared with Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi and dont forget hardly anyone speaks english (or even proper thai)

Huay nong kong bung

Edited May 12, 2008 by robint

[stub]

Why are they deemed barren and boring?

As for the pricing, it is morally and economically justified. We're talking about 8 euro, 12USD, 1300 yen, etc. This is hardly predatory pricing or a hardship.

If a typical local resident makes do on 250 baht a day or less, then that 40 baht represents a significant chunk of the local's disposible income. The amount charged to a foreigner represents a very small percentage of the foreigner's disposable income.

A lower price for the locals enables the locals to be able to see their own national treasures. If the locals were wealthy and had the means to pay, one could sympathize with your complaint, but really now, we all know the locals are impoverished and don't have the money the tourists have. It may not be fair in your eyes, but as a means of ensuring equitable access, it is reasonable.

Here here! I recall talking to a stone carver in Luxor whose livelyhood was carving figurines for tourists. He worked from photographs in a book, as he had never been able to afford the entrance fee to the museum a few blocks away that housed some of the originals. If you are going to have unaffordable pricing for whatever reason, at least give the locals an opportunity to visit with local prices or offseason prices or similar - its not like it will cost you any business and has social benefits.

[jerrylee]

Tourist sites in Udon, that will take about 5 mins to see them all, assuming you haven't fallen asleep. I was asked a few years ago by a TAT representative what I thought of the tourist attractions in Udon, when I replied "is there any", she beat a hasty retreat, don't think much has changed since then.

Udon Thani alone has Two World Heritage Sites - Ban Chiang and Phu Prabat, fossil beds at NongBhulumpu, Dinosaurs at Phu Wiang, numerous old temples and two famous meditation centers - Forest Temple of Ban Khor and Forest Temple of Ban Thad. .... (Khon Khaen & Korat ... the rest will take pages) ... Udon Thani is also important as a gateway to Vientiane, Laos ... the best facilities closest to the Mehkong River.

Issan comes from the sanskrit word Issana, the region has a lot to offer but not in anyway similar to your Phuket, Pattaya or Chiangmai, issan offers holistic tourism to the domestic market and uniquely offers a view into traditional rice farming techniques, the famous fragrant rice of thailand smells strongest during harvest amongst the fields ...

<a href="http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jerry_lee/820084"><img src="http://u1.ipernity.com/u/1/7D/A7/763773.599832121.l.jpg" width="420" height="560" alt="Forgotten Thailand" border="0"/></a>

Edited May 12, 2008 by jerrylee

[onlooker]

Looks like the North East is an archaeologists and meditators paradise. Now what can it offer the other 99.5% of tourists? A barren landscape and somtam. Let's be honest, there's a reason why people don't do go Isaan. It's simple, it's crap, and unless you married a bargirl and her family lives there there is no reason for you to go near the place. ( But Phimai is worth a look if you're passing through).

[jerrylee]

Looks like the North East is an archaeologists and meditators paradise. Now what can it offer the other 99.5% of tourists? A barren landscape and somtam. Let's be honest, there's a reason why people don't do go Isaan. It's simple, it's crap, and unless you married a bargirl and her family lives there there is no reason for you to go near the place. ( But Phimai is worth a look if you're passing through).

the U.S. Dollar is getting weaker and weaker, so future tourists to the N.E. may be coming from China !

[Thaddeus]

Looks like the North East is an archaeologists and meditators paradise. Now what can it offer the other 99.5% of tourists? A barren landscape and somtam.

You've never been here then.

Please spread that news around as many people as possible, and stay away.

[gwynt]

Looks like the North East is an archaeologists and meditators paradise. Now what can it offer the other 99.5% of tourists? A barren landscape and somtam.

You've never been here then.

Please spread that news around as many people as possible, and stay away.

Well said, I have meet the "typical" Thai tourist lost in Issan and the first request was "where do I find a Lady bar"

Try bangkok

Gwynt

[stattointhailand]

http://www.udonmap.com/udonthani_tourist_attractions

or alternatly go to Patters ..... tourist attractions ...... mmmmmm........... never stayed up late enough to visit them.

or go to Phuket ...... tourist attractions ..... sand, sea, McDonalds, Isaan girls.

or go to Samui ........tourist attractions ...... sand, sea, McDonalds, Isaan girls.

or Hua Hin ........ tourist attractions ........ palace that is closed to public most of the time, Royal train station waiting room, sand, sea, McDonalds and Isaan girls.

or Chiang Mai ...... tourist attractions ...... Buddha Images in temples, Buddha Images in National Museum, Foreign Cemetry with statue of Queen Victoria (not in Buddha type pose !!), Mc Donalds, and a fair few Isaan girls.

or York (England).... tourist attractions ....... Racecourse, bars, shopping complex, close to archaeological site, close to National Park, situated in North East, and the occational Isaan Girl ........... just like Udon !!

[steveromagnino]

Looks like the North East is an archaeologists and meditators paradise. Now what can it offer the other 99.5% of tourists? A barren landscape and somtam.

You've never been here then.

Please spread that news around as many people as possible, and stay away.

as a tourist spot, you would have to admit, Isaan like most parts of the world is pretty cr&p.

[johnwills]

Yes, please don't come to Udon there is nothing to see or do here, I think most of us that live here like the fact that there aren't many tourists, so please stick to to the resorts. Thank you

[peter991]

Yes, please don't come to Udon there is nothing to see or do here, I think most of us that live here like the fact that there aren't many tourists, so please stick to to the resorts. Thank you

Well said. It's the lack of tourists which make Issan so attractive. Outside of Khon Kaen and Udon Thani, a farang is almost a novelty. We are welcomed by smiling villagers who, almost without exception, do not cheat or overcharge us. We have found traditional Thailand.

A lot of Thailand has changed in the last 20 years - even Issan. Homes have electricity, running water; most have a colour TV and most people even have a mobile phone. Their traditional methods of growing rice using a buffalo has changed to the 'mechanical buffalo' but even though the relationship which brought me to Issan is over - Issan still has a place in my heart.

Peter

[Thaddeus]

Looks like the North East is an archaeologists and meditators paradise. Now what can it offer the other 99.5% of tourists? A barren landscape and somtam.

You've never been here then.

Please spread that news around as many people as possible, and stay away.

as a tourist spot, you would have to admit, Isaan like most parts of the world is pretty cr&p.

I'd probably be one of the first to admit that Steve, once you have seen Khao Phanom Rung and visited some rubble that may have been a Hindu temple at some time (none of which have anything to do with Thailand as this used to be part of Cambodia anyway) there is pretty much nothing else to see here, if you don't live here.

I'd like it to stay that way for as long as possible.

Getting the transient visitors who come for two weeks a year to see how the house is coming along is bad enough .... coaches of tourists who haven't even got the most thinly veiled connection to the region....... no thank you.

[naklang]

Looks like the North East is an archaeologists and meditators paradise. Now what can it offer the other 99.5% of tourists? A barren landscape and somtam.

You've never been here then.

Please spread that news around as many people as possible, and stay away.

as a tourist spot, you would have to admit, Isaan like most parts of the world is pretty cr&p.

I'd probably be one of the first to admit that Steve, once you have seen Khao Phanom Rung and visited some rubble that may have been a Hindu temple at some time (none of which have anything to do with Thailand as this used to be part of Cambodia anyway) there is pretty much nothing else to see here, if you don't live here.

I'd like it to stay that way for as long as possible.

Getting the transient visitors who come for two weeks a year to see how the house is coming along is bad enough .... coaches of tourists who haven't even got the most thinly veiled connection to the region....... no thank you.

Exactly. Please spread the word that there is absolutely nothing to see or do in Isaan. A horrible dry, dusty hole. Whatever you do, DON'T COME TO ISAAN!!

I don't fly halfway across the earth so I can mingle with hordes of tourists. I no longer even stay in Bangkok for the night. Immediately connect to the North. Leave the south to the unwashed and drunken masses. Seen it, done it, sick of the sight of it. Has anyone been to Samui lately? &lt;deleted&gt; is wrong with that picture these days? Used to be nice 10 years ago. Now that the South is thoroughly defiled, TAT is trying to trash what little is left that is worth visiting.

Edited May 12, 2008 by naklang

[opengoal]

Looks like the North East is an archaeologists and meditators paradise. Now what can it offer the other 99.5% of tourists? A barren landscape and somtam. Let's be honest, there's a reason why people don't do go Isaan. It's simple, it's crap, and unless you married a bargirl and her family lives there there is no reason for you to go near the place. ( But Phimai is worth a look if you're passing through).

You are the reason TAT should not promote Isaan. North of Don Muang and you need a map. For the 20,000 of us that make this our home its great. The problem with Isaan is that the government never invests here so they will always have a migrant workforce. As for being crap keep believing it. You may stay away (please)