Thailand Launches Discount Travel Frenzy

[Jai Dee]

Thailand launches discount travel frenzy

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is launching a Thailand Super Deal promotion in a bid to recover from recent political turmoil which saw protestors close down Bangkok’s two main airports, stranding millions of travellers.

The campaign will focus on the “Amazing Value” that can be found by visiting www. thailandsuperdeal.com, where there are inks to accommodation deals, package tours, shopping bargains, airline offers, and other incentives

Under the programme individual travel operators and hotels are free to present their own offers, supported by TAT PR and promotion.

Twenty-four boutique hotels and 11 travel agents yesterday launched the "One Price All Destinations" campaign.

The package features special room rates of 2,000 baht per night per person, including accommodation, breakfast and dinner, and airport transfers where applicable.

The participating hotels are located in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pran Buri, Krabi, Chumpon, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Samui and Koh Phangan.

Bookings are open both for Thai and foreign tourists from today until Feb 28, with eligible stays until June 30.

Eleven travel agents are participating - Diethelm Travel, Asian Trails, Destination Asia, Sun Series, Destination of The World, Mono Travel, Wotif/Latestays, Siam Express, Grand Express, Travelocity, and ITC.

Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa said he would take quick steps to help the tourism industry recover in the remaining months of the high season.

Chumpol said he would invite former tourism minister Weerasak Kowsurat to advise him in implementing measures to restore confidence in the industry.

Source: Travel Agent - 23 December 2008

Related links:

Flights: http://travel.thaivisa.com

Hotels: http://hotel.thaivisa.com

Car Rentals: http://carrentals.thaivisa.com

Travel Insurance: http://insurance.thaivisa.com/our-products...-insurance.html

[bkkjames]

2000 baht per person per night including accom!!! that's a deal. For a family of 4 it's only 8k.

[capco1]

I guess I'm cheap.......The hotel I use in Bangkok is 800 baht per night and that's for the whole family!!

[mac.wheeler]

Wow! The place on Koh Chang for 25k baht a night is a real bargain! Especially since the discounted price stated as part of this price cutting excercise is higher than that which is stated on the resort website!

I can see how this came about:

TAT 1: Ok we have a problem, tourism is down.

TAT 2: Hmm, I have an idea.

TAT 1: Spill the beans.

TAT 2: We register a domain name that makes the visitor think we are setting up some sort of discount scheme, then we put up lots of hotels with "speacial" prices and watch the money roll in.

TAT 1: What's so special about the prices?

TAT 2: They are higher! Dumb farangs will never realise, and everyone knows every farang is born with a never ending suitcase full of money, so they can afford it.

TAT 1: Great idea, we can even skim a percentage off the top for tea money.

[Magoomba]

It is good to see the additional holiday on January 2 will allow people to take advantage of these deals

[taxin]

Wow! The place on Koh Chang for 25k baht a night is a real bargain! Especially since the discounted price stated as part of this price cutting excercise is higher than that which is stated on the resort website!

I can see how this came about:

TAT 1: Ok we have a problem, tourism is down.

TAT 2: Hmm, I have an idea.

TAT 1: Spill the beans.

TAT 2: We register a domain name that makes the visitor think we are setting up some sort of discount scheme, then we put up lots of hotels with "speacial" prices and watch the money roll in.

TAT 1: What's so special about the prices?

TAT 2: They are higher! Dumb farangs will never realise, and everyone knows every farang is born with a never ending suitcase full of money, so they can afford it.

TAT 1: Great idea, we can even skim a percentage off the top for tea money.

I guess the TAT are not checking 1st to see if it is actually a deal. Accommodation suppliers see it as nothing more than free advertising. Its a shame really.

[ThaiEye]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/ne...icle5370384.ece

December 21, 2008

Thailand Slashes Prices

Prices of holidays in Thailand are to be cut in a bid to restore confidence following recent political unrest. The number of visitors has fallen by an estimated 50% since the week-long protests that closed Bangkok’s airports, and Thailand’s tourism authority says the episode will cost the country 3m visitors this season. To entice travellers to return, hotels are offering rooms for as little as half the published price.

It remains to be seen, though, how many will be brave enough to take advantage of the offers. Hoteliers have expressed fears that supporters of the ousted prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat, will cause yet more disruption, and the Thai ambassador, Kitti Wasinondh, was unable to rule out a repeat of the airport occupation. “Nobody can guarantee there will be no political tension,” he said. “But... it is my conviction the Thailand government will not let the Bangkok airports close again.”

Those who are willing to travel to Thailand should have no problem finding a bargain, said Chris Lee, of the long-haul specialist Travelmood. “The offers are flying in, no doubt about it,” he said. “Within the next week, both Thai Airways and EVA Air will be offering significant fare reductions to complement the great hotel deals coming up.”

Deals from Travelmood (0800 011 1945, www.travelmood.com ) include 10 nights for the price of five at the Regent Chalets, Cha-am, making a total of £699pp, including flights; and eight nights for the price of four at the four-star Cape Panwa hotel, in Phuket, now £799pp, including flights. The Four Seasons in Bangkok is offering every third night free, and the Centara Grand Beach Resort, in Ko Samui, has cut room rates from £205 to £146.

<H3 class=section-heading>Related Links</H3>

• The best last minute travel deals and bargains
  

Flight Centre (0870 499 0040, www.flightcentre.co.uk ) has 10 nights for the price of five at the Chedi Phuket: £1,355pp, including premium-economy flights. Trailfinders (0845 050 5871, www.trailfinders.com ) has eight nights for the price of four at the Evason Phuket: £889pp, including flights. And at the luxury end of the market, Carrier (0161 491 7630, www.carrier.co.uk ) has eight nights at the Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi for £1,985pp, including flights, a saving of £1,590.

Edited December 23, 2008 by ThaiEye

[dumball]

Fantastic offers , WOW , typical Thai thinking and logic , tell the stupid ATM machine , sorry , Farang , it is a super deal and he cannot resist , who the F@@@K do they think they are dealing with , government officials ? Well I will not be visiting any time soon with that type of horse manure , in fact , my next transcontinental will also be via anywhere but BKK , you all need to put the boot in to prove a point .

The clincher to me was PER PERSON .

[gk10002000]

Wow. I have seen several bait and switches and "special prices" types of things in my days, but this is nuts. But, as the propaganda ministries in many countries learned, if it is in print, it must be true.

[ThaiEye]

Prices go up and some members here complain to the heavens, prices stay the same and it's the same sarcastic banter.

Now, prices are being slashed and the same old members are putting the boot in again. Can't you give Thailand and the TAT etc... a break? I think they are really trying their best. Well done.

Edited December 24, 2008 by ThaiEye

[bkkjames]

Prices go up and some members here complain to the heavens, prices stay the same and it's the same sarcastic banter.

Now, prices are being slashed and the same old members are putting the boot in again. Can't you give Thailand and the TAT etc... a break? I think they are really trying their best. Well done.

I have no doubt TAT is doing the best it is capable of.

[samiinjapan]

TAT and discounted price

thats the best they can Do

[Thewayup]

Fantastic offers , WOW , typical Thai thinking and logic , tell the stupid ATM machine , sorry , Farang , it is a super deal and he cannot resist , who the F@@@K do they think they are dealing with , government officials ? Well I will not be visiting any time soon with that type of horse manure , in fact , my next transcontinental will also be via anywhere but BKK , you all need to put the boot in to prove a point .

The clincher to me was PER PERSON .

There is a similar deal at sawadee.com , called "one price, one destination". Tried to book a room in Chiang Mai that is normally about 3000 per room, the special offer price of 2000 is great, except it's PER PERSON! Sure it's great for single travellers, but most people booking into a nice hotel or resort will be with their partner or family.

Not to mention, it shows a complete disregard for Thai culture - as we all know it is traditional for a large family of at least 10-12 Thais to stay in a single hotel room (complete with BBQ, rice cooker and a surrogate laundry service in the bathroom) . Now they are being charged per person, the local Thais will surely be priced out of the market. Whilst this new pricing policy will have an effect on Farang tourists, it is most detrimental to the local Thai market, and is harmful to Thai family values. Discuss .

[PattayaParent]

Prices go up and some members here complain to the heavens, prices stay the same and it's the same sarcastic banter.

Now, prices are being slashed and the same old members are putting the boot in again. Can't you give Thailand and the TAT etc... a break? I think they are really trying their best. Well done.

I think you need to re-read the OP, the point is prices are NOT being slashed, they are being DOUBLED

[dumball]

Fantastic offers , WOW , typical Thai thinking and logic , tell the stupid ATM machine , sorry , Farang , it is a super deal and he cannot resist , who the F@@@K do they think they are dealing with , government officials ? Well I will not be visiting any time soon with that type of horse manure , in fact , my next transcontinental will also be via anywhere but BKK , you all need to put the boot in to prove a point .

The clincher to me was PER PERSON .

There is a similar deal at sawadee.com , called "one price, one destination". Tried to book a room in Chiang Mai that is normally about 3000 per room, the special offer price of 2000 is great, except it's PER PERSON! Sure it's great for single travellers, but most people booking into a nice hotel or resort will be with their partner or family.

Not to mention, it shows a complete disregard for Thai culture - as we all know it is traditional for a large family of at least 10-12 Thais to stay in a single hotel room (complete with BBQ, rice cooker and a surrogate laundry service in the bathroom) . Now they are being charged per person, the local Thais will surely be priced out of the market. Whilst this new pricing policy will have an effect on Farang tourists, it is most detrimental to the local Thai market, and is harmful to Thai family values. Discuss .

I think you have put this the correct way up , some may have missed the doubling of pricing , the point of 'Traditional Thai family ' is well said , having stayed at quite a few hotels and guest-houses . The point that irked me the most about their behavior was that they also tend to eat and have birthday parties 'IN THE HALLWAY ' .

[mijan24]

Fantastic offers , WOW , typical Thai thinking and logic , tell the stupid ATM machine , sorry , Farang , it is a super deal and he cannot resist , who the F@@@K do they think they are dealing with , government officials ? Well I will not be visiting any time soon with that type of horse manure , in fact , my next transcontinental will also be via anywhere but BKK , you all need to put the boot in to prove a point .

The clincher to me was PER PERSON .

There is a similar deal at sawadee.com , called "one price, one destination". Tried to book a room in Chiang Mai that is normally about 3000 per room, the special offer price of 2000 is great, except it's PER PERSON! Sure it's great for single travellers, but most people booking into a nice hotel or resort will be with their partner or family.

Not to mention, it shows a complete disregard for Thai culture - as we all know it is traditional for a large family of at least 10-12 Thais to stay in a single hotel room (complete with BBQ, rice cooker and a surrogate laundry service in the bathroom) . Now they are being charged per person, the local Thais will surely be priced out of the market. Whilst this new pricing policy will have an effect on Farang tourists, it is most detrimental to the local Thai market, and is harmful to Thai family values. Discuss .

I think you have put this the correct way up , some may have missed the doubling of pricing , the point of 'Traditional Thai family ' is well said , having stayed at quite a few hotels and guest-houses . The point that irked me the most about their behavior was that they also tend to eat and have birthday parties 'IN THE HALLWAY ' .

I see you hail from Cambodia = Are practices there different to many other counties in the region? ??

[mrtoad]

Prices go up and some members here complain to the heavens, prices stay the same and it's the same sarcastic banter.

Now, prices are being slashed and the same old members are putting the boot in again. Can't you give Thailand and the TAT etc... a break? I think they are really trying their best. Well done.

Take off the TAT sponsored Saffron tinted glasses, and you might see that the prices are being increased. Per Person, what a complete load of toss.

[dumball]

Fantastic offers , WOW , typical Thai thinking and logic , tell the stupid ATM machine , sorry , Farang , it is a super deal and he cannot resist , who the F@@@K do they think they are dealing with , government officials ? Well I will not be visiting any time soon with that type of horse manure , in fact , my next transcontinental will also be via anywhere but BKK , you all need to put the boot in to prove a point .

The clincher to me was PER PERSON .

There is a similar deal at sawadee.com , called "one price, one destination". Tried to book a room in Chiang Mai that is normally about 3000 per room, the special offer price of 2000 is great, except it's PER PERSON! Sure it's great for single travellers, but most people booking into a nice hotel or resort will be with their partner or family.

Not to mention, it shows a complete disregard for Thai culture - as we all know it is traditional for a large family of at least 10-12 Thais to stay in a single hotel room (complete with BBQ, rice cooker and a surrogate laundry service in the bathroom) . Now they are being charged per person, the local Thais will surely be priced out of the market. Whilst this new pricing policy will have an effect on Farang tourists, it is most detrimental to the local Thai market, and is harmful to Thai family values. Discuss .

I think you have put this the correct way up , some may have missed the doubling of pricing , the point of 'Traditional Thai family ' is well said , having stayed at quite a few hotels and guest-houses . The point that irked me the most about their behavior was that they also tend to eat and have birthday parties 'IN THE HALLWAY ' .

I see you hail from Cambodia = Are practices there different to many other counties in the region? ??

I do not hail from Cambodia , just happen to be living here at this time , same as i just happened to live in thailand for several years . I have stayed at quite a few hotels/guest-houses here and can honestly say , not seen one 'Party' in a hallway , nor have i experienced the smell of cooking either . They have done this from time to time where i am currently living because they have only a small room , but are in a dead end corridor that only affects the owner .

Hallways are or should be provided for, or access to , rented rooms , not for doing whatever it is you feel like at any given time , guests only rent a room , not all of the hotel/guest.house .

[MeetJohnDoe]

I called the Hyatt Erawan re their special "Thailand" resident promotion of B2009 per nite room special (also mentioned on Stick's site recently) and it's actually B 2k per nite PER PERSON with 2 person minimum plus tax & service (or about another 20% or B800 per nite). So the actual room rate is B4800 for a single or double room, which may be something of a discount from their normal rack rate but doesn't quality for any recessionary bargain in my book.

[ThaiEye]

Some real moaners here, what kind of hotel room do you get for $80US in your own country? Certainly, not a 5-star one.

If Thailand's hotels are too expensive for you, then i guess it's simply best to go spend your well-earned money elsewhere. As simple as that....

[samui04]

Some real moaners here, what kind of hotel room do you get for $80US in your own country? Certainly, not a 5-star one.

If Thailand's hotels are too expensive for you, then i guess it's simply best to go spend your well-earned money elsewhere. As simple as that....

The europeans are doing that exactly...

All travel agency has offer for the Carabbean at half thailand cost.

[Merangue]

Some real moaners here, what kind of hotel room do you get for $80US in your own country? Certainly, not a 5-star one.

If Thailand's hotels are too expensive for you, then i guess it's simply best to go spend your well-earned money elsewhere. As simple as that....

It is exactly that attitude that is likely to reduce the number of visitors taking up the 'Special offers' shown above.

[dumball]

Terrible attitude , has he not noticed how many have deserted without his kind(?) suggestion ?

[MeetJohnDoe]

Some real moaners here, what kind of hotel room do you get for $80US in your own country? Certainly, not a 5-star one.

Did I miss something? Can you name any 5-star hotels in Bangkok where I can currently book a room for US$ 80 per nite. I have not seen any and I am looking to spend a few days in the Big Mango.

[mrtoad]

Some real moaners here, what kind of hotel room do you get for $80US in your own country? Certainly, not a 5-star one.

If Thailand's hotels are too expensive for you, then i guess it's simply best to go spend your well-earned money elsewhere. As simple as that....

I don't think people are moaning, but the suggestion is that Thailand needs to offer something a bit more to reignite the travel industry. Your attitude is idiotic and blinkered, as it is quite clear that a significant amount of people are in fact choosing to go somewhere else on holiday, which is not good for those people working in tourist related industries.

And no the hotels are not too expensive, but the promotion that TAT are promoting is disingenious and a waste of time, which is not what the tourist industry needs at this moment.

[PattayaParent]

Some real moaners here, what kind of hotel room do you get for $80US in your own country? Certainly, not a 5-star one.

If Thailand's hotels are too expensive for you, then i guess it's simply best to go spend your well-earned money elsewhere. As simple as that....

Again you're not understanding the OP.

The point is that this 'special DISCOUNT promotion' to attract more visitors in these times of economic crisis is actually INCREASING the prices by DOUBLE.

Now do you think that is a good way to attract people here or would they think they were being taken for idiots?

[mac.wheeler]

Some real moaners here, what kind of hotel room do you get for $80US in your own country? Certainly, not a 5-star one.

If Thailand's hotels are too expensive for you, then i guess it's simply best to go spend your well-earned money elsewhere. As simple as that....

When the average holidaymaker is choosing the destination for their next vacation a range of criteria are used to decide where they are going to visit. Value is one of the most weighted criteria for a large percentage of holidaymakers, quite frankly Thailand is no longer such an obviously cost effective holiday destination.

[mike uk]

Prices go up and some members here complain to the heavens, prices stay the same and it's the same sarcastic banter.

Now, prices are being slashed and the same old members are putting the boot in again. Can't you give Thailand and the TAT etc... a break? I think they are really trying their best. Well done.

THAILAND DID NOT GIVE ME A BREAK WHEN THEY KEPT ME TO RANSOME FOR 5 DAYS WITH THE AIRPORT CLOSURE. THEY DESERVE ALL THAT IS COMING TO THEM

[freitag1]

Lol hilarious thread. Thai thinking and marketing at its best. Guess it took them a few weeks to come up with this idea and they spent 200.000 THB to get such a kick @ss website

[torrenova]

Another complete croc of ....