Thailand Roadshows To Restore Foreigners Tourism Confidence

[george]

Thailand roadshows to restore foreigners tourism confidence

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has dispatched a team of officials for a 'roadshow mission' in China to clarify the real political situation in the kingdom after the government lifted the State of Emergency decree in Bangkok on Sunday, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat.

Mr. Weerasak said the team of ministry officials would focus on three aspects including the lack of violence in the demonstrations, that the State of Emergency decree has been lifted and that there was no longer a blockade at any airport.

The decree, imposed by former prime minister Samak Sundaravej on September 2 following clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters in Bangkok.

The aim of the mission was to give prospective Chinese tourists correct information and the understanding that Thailand is a safe place to visit now, just as it had been in the past, he said.

In addition, he said, the similar roadshows are expected to be held in Japan, Korea, India, Russia and varied European countries to help restore confidence among foreign tourists.

On Thursday, the ministry will also write an official letter to 26 embassies, all of which earlier issued warnings to their citizens to avoid visiting Thailand, to inform them of the current situation, said the minister.

In relation to the Thai Hotels Association's proposal concerning the "Visa on Arrival" project to be launched for worldwide tourists during October to December, Mr. Weesarak stated he was open to the private sector's opinions, but that he would review the proposal's details and discuss them Thursday afternoon.

The ministry added that new tourism policies will focus more on high-end tourists who are more desirable visitors, and not emphasise quantity, as the former are more likely to create sustainable tourism and value for investment.

Mr. Weerasak said he is confident that outbound tourism revenue will increase by 5 per cent from the total balance of Bt600 billion.

Regarding the domestic market, the income is expected to rise from 5 per cent from the equivalent returns of Bt380 billion.

Due to earlier skyrocketing oil prices, domestic market growth has declined from last year, during which it grew 10 per cent.

In order to support more Thai tourism, the ministry will negotiate with airlines and travel agencies, asking them to reduce airfares, as fuel costs have already declined.

-- TNA 2008-09-18

[jumnien]

The PAD is probably already setting up the protests abroad!

[taxexile]

team of officials for a 'roadshow mission' in China

travelling by tuk tuk i suppose.

[lannarebirth]

team of officials for a 'roadshow mission' in China

travelling by tuk tuk i suppose.

Negotiating how to split the "commissions" I suppose.

[Ricardo]

Thailand roadshows to restore foreigners tourism confidence

In addition, he said, the similar roadshows are expected to be held in Japan, Korea, India, Russia and varied European countries to help restore confidence among foreign tourists.

-- TNA 2008-09-18

Oh Goody ... an all-expenses-paid 5-star-hotel first-class-airtravel tour of the world ! Thank heavens that Thailand has such dedicated civil servants. Perhaps the politicians might also accompany them, to support them, in their efforts to mitigate the effects of the SoE which they had called.

There being a global recession, and sharp fall in tourism world-wide, should provide ample opportunities need for many such promotional trips, over the next few years. Pigs with snouts at-the-ready !

[LaoPo]

Thailand roadshows to restore foreigners tourism confidence

Were the tourists disappointed ?

...about what ?

LaoPo

[Gravelrash]

At least they haven't lowered their standards yet are are only looking for quality tourists. In fact they should encourage the airlines to lift economy prices to help discourage the three star visitors. Makes sense really, as no doubt the quality tourists with just a little PR will still come in droves, airport closes, street protests and talk of military coups won't put them off.

So when they report the numbers down they can claim it was all according to the master plan.

[0Mix1up]

junket time again

mind you australias going to spend 25 mill to attract 26 mill [guess] from tourists

on the back of a movie.....

Edited September 18, 2008 by 0Mix1up

[annamaria4711]

Why should tourists come to Thailand and spend their time and money in a country where the PAD party is saying farangs go home...???

That is some of the rhetoric that is occuring in that camp.

And another thing....WHY have a minister for Sports and Tourism....how stupid.

Tourism is one of the major revenue contributors to Thailand and more likley to be the biggest employer in Thailand...why bundle it with a Sports Faculty ??/ does Tourism not deserve its own dedicated Minister?

[jumnien]

Thai mental patients and PAD members, not mutually exclusive, are kept fairly segregated from tourists in Thailand. Occasionally, some of the more seriously deranged have wandered onto the runways at various airports.

[Scott]

It's the Ministry of Tourism and Sports because they aren't ready for a ministry of Tourism and Haircuts!

[Tony Clifton]

The PAD is probably already setting up the protests abroad!

Thai mental patients and PAD members, not mutually exclusive, are kept fairly segregated from tourists in Thailand. Occasionally, some of the more seriously deranged have wandered onto the runways at various airports.

Word on the street is they are trying real hard to locate where you live in order to setup a third stage there.

[permanent_disorder]

Thailand roadshows to restore foreigners tourism confidence

In addition, he said, the similar roadshows are expected to be held in Japan, Korea, India, Russia and varied European countries to help restore confidence among foreign tourists.

-- TNA 2008-09-18

Oh Goody ... an all-expenses-paid 5-star-hotel first-class-airtravel tour of the world ! Thank heavens that Thailand has such dedicated civil servants. Perhaps the politicians might also accompany them, to support them, in their efforts to mitigate the effects of the SoE which they had called.

There being a global recession, and sharp fall in tourism world-wide, should provide ample opportunities need for many such promotional trips, over the next few years. Pigs with snouts at-the-ready !

yep, one of the roots for corruption and abuse. same as state owned and state monopols want the privatsation for, let those sectors run on competition and the rule that they have to gain profit.

but loony Sondhi & The 11 Moralists are total against privatisation at all, prefere the odd reshuffle of posts for just getting well paid by the state for oing nothing. state own monopols without market competition is the mothership of corruption.

sell out the country assets - how he can do that, that the tax money cow the "elite" wanna milk.

[geriatrickid]

The lack of common sense begs the question if these people are really as clueless as the article suggests?

Mr. Weerasak said the team of ministry officials would focus on three aspects including the lack of violence in the demonstrations, that the State of Emergency decree has been lifted and that there was no longer a blockade at any airport.

Earth to vapourheads calling; The demonstrations didn't have violence. Wow. That's a brilliant selling point. Come to Thailand. Have transportation routes disrupted, have your family terrified, maybe get stranded, but remember the demonstrations are not violent.

Yea, right.

The lifting of the SOE will calm tourist fears. Are they serious? The airports may be open, but there is no guarantee they won't be closed again on the whim of whatever thug wants to make trouble. There needs to be assurances given that it won't happen again.

The aim of the mission was to give prospective Chinese tourists correct information and the understanding that Thailand is a safe place to visit now, just as it had been in the past, he said. Right. Whether we like Chinese methods or not, crimes against tourists are frowned upon by everyone and they very rarely happen. In Thailand there are violent muggings. The police don't do anything constructive. That is not what happens in China and the Chinese press will mention that.

The ministry added that new tourism policies will focus more on high-end tourists .....

Nice. Unfortunately, beggars can't be choosey and Thailand missed the boat for this season at the very least.

In order to support more Thai tourism, the ministry will negotiate with airlines and travel agencies, asking them to reduce airfares, as fuel costs have already declined.

Thailand has no negotiating clout with any airline except TG and Nok. Considering their financial state, they are not in a position to cut ticket prices. Besides, with TG's tattered reputation arising from its response during the airport closings, prudent high end tourists are steering clear.

Thailand, where the inept can aspire to become and do become leaders.

Edited September 19, 2008 by geriatrickid

[Dakhar]

The lack of common sense begs the question if these people are really as clueless as the article suggests?

Mr. Weerasak said the team of ministry officials would focus on three aspects including the lack of violence in the demonstrations, that the State of Emergency decree has been lifted and that there was no longer a blockade at any airport.

Earth to vapourheads calling; The demonstrations didn't have violence. Wow. That's a brilliant selling point. Come to Thailand. Have transportation routes disrupted, have your family terrified, maybe get stranded, but remember the demonstrations are not violent.

Yea, right.

The lifting of the SOE will calm tourist fears. Are they serious? The airports may be open, but there is no guarantee they won't be closed again on the whim of whatever thug wants to make trouble. There needs to be assurances given that it won't happen again.

The aim of the mission was to give prospective Chinese tourists correct information and the understanding that Thailand is a safe place to visit now, just as it had been in the past, he said. Right. Whether we like Chinese methods or not, crimes against tourists are frowned upon by everyone and they very rarely happen. In Thailand there are violent muggings. The police don't do anything constructive. That is not what happens in China and the Chinese press will mention that.

The ministry added that new tourism policies will focus more on high-end tourists .....

Nice. Unfortunately, beggars can't be choosey and Thailand missed the boat for this season at the very least.

In order to support more Thai tourism, the ministry will negotiate with airlines and travel agencies, asking them to reduce airfares, as fuel costs have already declined.

Thailand has no negotiating clout with any airline except TG and Nok. Considering their financial state, they are not in a position to cut ticket prices. Besides, with TG's tattered reputation arising from its response during the airport closings, prudent high end tourists are steering clear.

Thailand, where the inept can aspire to become and do become leaders.

AMEN

[Tony Clifton]

The Thaksin clan sure is living proof with the new PM.

[Plus]

Somchai the new PM declined to comment on PPP's plans to amend the Constitution, for example.

Unless they make a solid commitment on this (and a couple more issues), protests might escalate at any minute.

He has a list of things to do, starting with revoking Thaksin's passport and he can't drag this issue for more than a couple of days.

Right now it's not the right time to give reassurances to the tourists as the situation is very fluid.

[jumnien]

The PAD is probably already setting up the protests abroad!

Thai mental patients and PAD members, not mutually exclusive, are kept fairly segregated from tourists in Thailand. Occasionally, some of the more seriously deranged have wandered onto the runways at various airports.

Word on the street is they are trying real hard to locate where you live in order to setup a third stage there.

Well they already know where I live as they own the place!

[sriracha john]

The prospect of another street war from DAAD/UDD today surely will "Restore Foreigners Tourism Confidence"....

Pro-government group to rally on 2nd anniversary of Sept. 19 coup

BANGKOK, Sept 18 (TNA) - A pro-government group promising to eject anti-government protesters from Thailand's Government House will hold a major rally here Friday evening to mark the two-year anniversary of the coup which ejected former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office on September 19.

In the name of democracy, organisers of the National United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) told a press conference Thursday that their rally will be held at Sanam Luang from 6 pm to 11 pm.

They also announced formation of a security unit for their movement, and pledged to eject the anti-government Peoples' Alliance for Democracy (PAD) from Government House.

The UDD-organised security unit, which claime over 100 members, according to Surachai Sae Dan, a UDD leader, plans to force the PAD protesters from Government House if the police do not.

Meanwhile, army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda said the planned UDD rally could be held legally. If violence does occur, he said, the military could step in if the police are unable to control the situation.

[Ricardo]

yep, one of the roots for corruption and abuse. same as state owned and state monopols want the privatsation for, let those sectors run on competition and the rule that they have to gain profit.

but loony Sondhi & The 11 Moralists are total against privatisation at all, prefere the odd reshuffle of posts for just getting well paid by the state for oing nothing. state own monopols without market competition is the mothership of corruption.

sell out the country assets - how he can do that, that the tax money cow the "elite" wanna milk.

I believe that this is known as 'doing a Thaksin'.

[Scott]

I use to live in a rural area growing--we called these dog and pony shows!

[steveromagnino]

yep, one of the roots for corruption and abuse. same as state owned and state monopols want the privatsation for, let those sectors run on competition and the rule that they have to gain profit.

but loony Sondhi & The 11 Moralists are total against privatisation at all, prefere the odd reshuffle of posts for just getting well paid by the state for oing nothing. state own monopols without market competition is the mothership of corruption.

sell out the country assets - how he can do that, that the tax money cow the "elite" wanna milk.

So do you think it was a good idea to sell PTT to shareholders comprising of mostly TRT MP families at a price which would now retrospectively seem to be something like 20% of the true value?

How do you respond to the FACT that TRT gave ANOTHER monopoly at the airport to King Power?

How do you respond to the FACT that TRT deliberately interfered with the deregulation process of telecommunications in an effort to stop competition against AIS?

How do you respond to the FACT that no independent power market or electricity deregulation was EVER developed other than the idea to sell off a hunk of EGAT yet without an independent market in place, or without any of the usual mechanisms required in a competitive power market - separation of network/transmission and generation/retailing etc?

TRT are the ones who have already sold off state assets; ever wondered where the cash went?

Learn something about a deregulated power market; New Zealand would be a nice start; and then perhaps explain to us all how the proposed sell off of EGAT had anything at all to do with 'benefitting the consumer through competition'

After all, TRT were the party to instigate price controls on the express way to head towards Isaan north out of Bangkok prior to the election; the deisel subsidy, and so on.

Chamlong et al are a bunch of nutjobs, but if you think TRT had any desire to introduce competition to any of THEIR businesses, you are living in a place far far removed from reality.

Back on subject - this roadshow is simply a chance to go and meet with Thaksin with US the tax payers footing the bill for 5 star accomodation, first class plane tickets and a substandard road show produced by the family of one of the ministers with an increased fee of 20% (standard) or 40% (TRT later years) going directly back to the minister involved.

Edited September 19, 2008 by steveromagnino

[jitagon]

The prospect of another street war from DAAD/UDD today surely will "Restore Foreigners Tourism Confidence"....

Pro-government group to rally on 2nd anniversary of Sept. 19 coup

BANGKOK, Sept 18 (TNA) - A pro-government group promising to eject anti-government protesters from Thailand's Government House will hold a major rally here Friday evening to mark the two-year anniversary of the coup which ejected former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office on September 19.

In the name of democracy, organisers of the National United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) told a press conference Thursday that their rally will be held at Sanam Luang from 6 pm to 11 pm.

They also announced formation of a security unit for their movement, and pledged to eject the anti-government Peoples' Alliance for Democracy (PAD) from Government House.

The UDD-organised security unit, which claime over 100 members, according to Surachai Sae Dan, a UDD leader, plans to force the PAD protesters from Government House if the police do not.

Meanwhile, army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda said the planned UDD rally could be held legally. If violence does occur, he said, the military could step in if the police are unable to control the situation.

Two evenings ago I was at a Thai friend's house when he received a telephone call from a woman from Yasothon asking if he would be prepared to join the pro-government rally for 1500 baht. He declined. He's a PAD supporter. Seems Thaksin's sale of his football club has beefed up his war chest somewhat.

[Crushdepth]

How do you respond to the FACT that TRT deliberately interfered with the deregulation process of telecommunications in an effort to stop competition against AIS?

What do you mean? Anyone telco company that wanted to compete could just apply for a license from the authorities!

Admittedly, the licensing body didn't exist because the authorities hadn't actually got around to setting it up just yet...but they will one day, for sure!

[permanent_disorder]

yep, one of the roots for corruption and abuse. same as state owned and state monopols want the privatsation for, let those sectors run on competition and the rule that they have to gain profit.

but loony Sondhi & The 11 Moralists are total against privatisation at all, prefere the odd reshuffle of posts for just getting well paid by the state for oing nothing. state own monopols without market competition is the mothership of corruption.

sell out the country assets - how he can do that, that the tax money cow the "elite" wanna milk.

So do you think it was a good idea to sell PTT to shareholders comprising of mostly TRT MP families at a price which would now retrospectively seem to be something like 20% of the true value?

How do you respond to the FACT that TRT gave ANOTHER monopoly at the airport to King Power?

How do you respond to the FACT that TRT deliberately interfered with the deregulation process of telecommunications in an effort to stop competition against AIS?

...

so, thaksin GET OUT, GET OUT, GET OUT is your only record.

but what for economy will come with Sondhi & The Sententious Camper?

some uber central power state, with a strong dislike of a open market and competition. a strong dislike of the "international money", a strong nationalistic back to our former proud movement.

they like E. F. Schumacher’s "Small is Beautiful", because is idea of small local trade and so on is a perfect plan to live out their nationalistic and xenophobic mania. schuhmacher says no to global trade and no to export for the sake of nature. give that concept in the hand of some lunatics it's a perfect tool to isolate the country.

ecology-oriented moralist & do-gooder are the worst of all "nazis".

i am not a dreaming socialist and this "new" anti-capitalistic ideas will not turn out good.

for us foreigners is no place in that vision.

you know is not about FACTS, thaksin good or bad. it's about the PAD and what will they bring for us. not only look what their good intentions are, check for possible results.

in my youth had the change to take part in a "society experiments" of a political cult, a cult of do-gooders and do-betters. a hel_l. a self isolated country, lead by do-betters with a vision, a economic that went ill and some pseudo-religious esoteric masterplan called marxism leninism + lots of nationalistic proud. i didn't like it and they threaten you if start to ask questions, could kick you out from high school or university or you would lose your job, and no higher education for your kids, or send you to jail. people demonstrate - amy tanks came to town.

marx-lenin-infallibility. with every questioning, the brainwash functionary told you that you support capitalism aka slave labour, slaughter of vietnamese babies, old-nazis, the attempt of the enemy bomb "us" to death and other propaganda BS. you could not open talk about the marx. concept our how it's done. if you had not agreed 100% you have been 100% against.

(lucky me, that experiment collapsed)

and now have the PAD cult the same infallibility. if you start questions no answer, except that you support the wrong doings of the enemy. arrogant, that is. the typical behavior of a cultists, a 100% believer.

thaksinomics have not been capitalism (in the milton friedman definition) and would critizise him with a friedman position - you don't need a strong state and powerful government if you want freedom. the roots of corruption are others govern other peoples tax-money.

i guess you see capitalism and globalistion more from a attac position. okay.

but PAD are some hardcore right wing attacs mixed with lot's of xenophobic hate.

and if listen to what they talk about their economic vision - the horror.

[Johpa]

I use to live in a rural area growing--we called these dog and pony shows!

Once upon a time Bangkok was home to some dog and pony shows, as was Tijuana in Mexico.

[hansnl]

Why should tourists come to Thailand and spend their time and money in a country where the PAD party is saying farangs go home...???

That is some of the rhetoric that is occuring in that camp.

And the same was more or less said by Thaksin.

[plachon]

yep, one of the roots for corruption and abuse. same as state owned and state monopols want the privatsation for, let those sectors run on competition and the rule that they have to gain profit.

but loony Sondhi & The 11 Moralists are total against privatisation at all, prefere the odd reshuffle of posts for just getting well paid by the state for oing nothing. state own monopols without market competition is the mothership of corruption.

sell out the country assets - how he can do that, that the tax money cow the "elite" wanna milk.

So do you think it was a good idea to sell PTT to shareholders comprising of mostly TRT MP families at a price which would now retrospectively seem to be something like 20% of the true value?

How do you respond to the FACT that TRT gave ANOTHER monopoly at the airport to King Power?

How do you respond to the FACT that TRT deliberately interfered with the deregulation process of telecommunications in an effort to stop competition against AIS?

...

so, thaksin GET OUT, GET OUT, GET OUT is your only record.

but what for economy will come with Sondhi & The Sententious Camper?

some uber central power state, with a strong dislike of a open market and competition. a strong dislike of the "international money", a strong nationalistic back to our former proud movement.

they like E. F. Schumacher’s "Small is Beautiful", because is idea of small local trade and so on is a perfect plan to live out their nationalistic and xenophobic mania. schuhmacher says no to global trade and no to export for the sake of nature. give that concept in the hand of some lunatics it's a perfect tool to isolate the country.

ecology-oriented moralist & do-gooder are the worst of all "nazis".

i am not a dreaming socialist and this "new" anti-capitalistic ideas will not turn out good.

for us foreigners is no place in that vision.

you know is not about FACTS, thaksin good or bad. it's about the PAD and what will they bring for us. not only look what their good intentions are, check for possible results.

in my youth had the change to take part in a "society experiments" of a political cult, a cult of do-gooders and do-betters. a hel_l. a self isolated country, lead by do-betters with a vision, a economic that went ill and some pseudo-religious esoteric masterplan called marxism leninism + lots of nationalistic proud. i didn't like it and they threaten you if start to ask questions, could kick you out from high school or university or you would lose your job, and no higher education for your kids, or send you to jail. people demonstrate - amy tanks came to town.

marx-lenin-infallibility. with every questioning, the brainwash functionary told you that you support capitalism aka slave labour, slaughter of vietnamese babies, old-nazis, the attempt of the enemy bomb "us" to death and other propaganda BS. you could not open talk about the marx. concept our how it's done. if you had not agreed 100% you have been 100% against.

(lucky me, that experiment collapsed)

and now have the PAD cult the same infallibility. if you start questions no answer, except that you support the wrong doings of the enemy. arrogant, that is. the typical behavior of a cultists, a 100% believer.

thaksinomics have not been capitalism (in the milton friedman definition) and would critizise him with a friedman position - you don't need a strong state and powerful government if you want freedom. the roots of corruption are others govern other peoples tax-money.

i guess you see capitalism and globalistion more from a attac position. okay.

but PAD are some hardcore right wing attacs mixed with lot's of xenophobic hate.

and if listen to what they talk about their economic vision - the horror.

What are you smoking PD? You really seem to have surpassed yourself in this little rant of feverish dillusion. Most of it is rather hard to decipher, but you seem to be saying that you think PAD are "Nazi, Marxist-Leninists, nationalists, ecologists, moralists, localists, cultists". Any other -ists you want to add to your list of labels? Sound like rather an interesting bunch of people to me, if that is their true ideological affiliation.

Not sure what the "cultists" bit means, but you seem to have a particular passion for using it, but never seem to be able to justify or specify your usage of the term. Guess you'll be accusing them of witchcraft and baby killing soon.

And all this talk of "xenophobic hate" coming from a person so spilling bile in every post is quite disturbing.

Weren't you the person who also spent many hours and posts trying to justify why the Canadian couple brutally shot in Pai deserved it? You sounded like you worked for the Thai police at that point or at least a warped PR Dept for Thai tourism, saying Carly had it coming for looking a bit "funny". Now what sort of -ist would you describe yourself Carlos?

[geriatrickid]

Interesting article in yesterday's USA Today. I've copied a couple interesting parts of the article. Alot of it relates to US airlines, but alot applies to the industry worldwide. Politics aside, a large chunk of the tourist trade is gone and won't come back until the world economy recovers in a year or more even if PAD suddenly goes away. The strategy proposed is wrong. The issue is affordability. With the coming price increases in lodging, food & booze the typical tourist will be priced out. The tourist industry was already in decline despite statements to the contrary, and the political turmoil has hastened the onset and severity. The damage is done, and until the economy improves these government and industry officials would do better to take the junket money and funnel it into paying for tourist assistance facilities. Maybe an ombudsman?

Amid higher airfares and a crisis in the financial markets, airlines in the U.S. and abroad are seeing or bracing for softening passenger demand. The International Air Transport Association, which represents 230 carriers worldwide, on Thursday said international travel fell in July, especially in the lucrative first class and business class. , "The financial sector meltdown now risks a much sharper economic downturn," IATA said. Prompted by record fuel prices this year, airlines have been hastily parking old, inefficient jets, dropping flights, raising fares and fees and cutting jobs to reduce costs and force up ticket prices. "We think there's a high probability that we will continue to see demand for travel falling," said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines' managing director for planning. "This economy is going to be around for a while."

"Questions about the … price of fuel andthe direction of the economy are still unanswered," said American Airlines Vice President Beverly Goulet. She said the industry's in "turbulent times."

Even falling oil prices are turning out to be not completely good news. United Airlines said Wednesday it could take a hit of more than $500 million in this quarter because the rapid fall in oil prices means losses on some of the fuel hedges it put in place to protect it from sharp price increases.

The Air Transport Association, which represents U.S.airlines, is forecasting the U.S. industry will lose as much as $8 billion this year, about as much as it lost in 2003 but not as much as in 2001. (imagine the hit TG has taken.) In an interview, ATA chief economist John Heimlich did not rule out more flight reductions than airlines have already announced — which would make finding affordable flights even harder.

[endure]

What would restore tourist confidence more than anything else is an exchange rate of 90bt/£ and lots of smiley people.