Pattaya To Woo Visitors With Free Rooms

[jellykookabanj]

whenever the supermarkets have a two for one,why does the price double? and when the promotion is over the price of a single item goes up .

just got some small toms from carefour ,cost originally 21 baht ,two for one promotion 36 baht. do they think we dont notice?

Crefour is French company not thai

True......but like all foreign supermarkets over here, they are managed and run by THAI staff

[jellykookabanj]

Reality is that the rest of the world is in recession and people are either being made unemployed or are worried about it. Thus they stop spending and keep their money. That means expensive long haul holidays are dropped in preference for either holiday at home or closer to home.

For us Brits we have been hit by currency problems and Thailand is much more expensive for us. I try to do the same for the same amount as before and that means we cut corners; luxuries go and we look for cheaper ways to do the same thing. The end result is we have less cash to flash around and we look for more value. That means Thai prices are analized more closely before we spend. Thailand needs to learn about value for money because there is no way we farangs are going to spend like before. Luckily we do have the big supermarkets where we can get value for money. Other destinations look more attractive like the Phillipines/Cambodia/Vietnam/Indonesia; all these places now have a cheaper cost of living.

Cheap/free hotel rooms won't work. You have to get the foreigners here first and the big cost is the flight and not hotel rooms. Fuel is cheaper now but flights are still expensive.

Someone mentioned going back home; I did this and really enjoyed being back in my home country. All those issues that bug you about Thailand go away and alot of things can be bought at home more cheaply (and with better quality) than here. Its also nice to be an equal citizen again without all the reduced rights!

Brilliant post. Thais will never understand that we are not "stupid Farangs" that will spend like there is no tomorrow. When money was more available (better exchange rates/cheaper prices) then that money is spent without too much thought. But times are harder now and everyone has to tighten their belts.

[IAMSOBAD]

You probably have all noticed this before but 50% off just means they wil increase the retail price by 50% before giving the 50% off bargain! There are no consumer enforced laws in Thailand for such scams and so I see it all the time. There are really never any decent bargains, I found that cheap shoes are even cheaper back home in New Zealand! And the person who wrote about the Thai business trend of "increasing" prices is dead right. I have given up a few of my luxuries because of this! Anyone have a serious answer as to why they do this?

What do you expect from people who have ZERO respect for farang. People who are always late for meetings when its with a farang. People who think you are rich and that your middle name is ATM. People who only return a phone call when it means they will make money off of you. I love Thailand...but the love I used to have 10 years ago for THAIS has gone down 50 percent. I also have never seen a give away without a catch. They think we are stupid morons with no brain or memory. That is my serious answer as to why they do this.

ALSO...<deleted> is buy 4 pay 3? Try getting your Thai buddy to pitch in on that deal when you get the bill.

[OJAS]

devalue the baht,last year baht 1000 = 16 pounds now 1000 baht 20 pounds,india and other nations have stoped buying rice ect from thai as thier currencies have devaluled and thai baht not keeping in line with rest of world

You are completely correct .The baht needs to be devalued before it goes into freefall.factories have closed and are still closing.A devalued baht by 20/25% will make Thai products cheaper.The weaker baht will offer more value for tourists and encougage them to travel here.. The only disadvantage to this would be that the cost of fuel will go up but its cheaper now than for a long time and will not hurt so much.The weaker baht will effect imports but the average thai does not buy imported goods..To help wilt the cost of imports the import duties which are extremely high could be lowered..It would be better to do this and have some tourists and be able to export thai products than to just hope things will get better...

But we all know what is happenning , prices are up, services do not get better and as for FREE ROMMS well the only way to qualify will be to book to come here from abroad with the room included....I live in the north and yes I will come down if the room is free.Yes The weaker baht will help me come here instead of going to phuket which is getting really silly on prices..I.E small beers in Bangla road 150 baht!! Thank God for seven /eleven!!

Oh yes I'am in Pattaya now and bar fines waived that would be good news as well!!!

Until such time as the fat-cat governors of the Bank Of Thailand (and, for that matter, their European Central Bank counterparts) show more interest in putting the interests of Thailand (and Eurozone countries) ahead of their own blinkered and inflated egos, interest rate reductions sufficient to bring about meaningful reductions in the value of the baht (and euro) will never come about.

Back on topic, do those who hatched up this idea really think that anyone would want to see Pattaya in the rain even with the lure of a free room?

[davethailand]

And who will benefit?

Suspect our local "Cheap Charlie's"/balloon chasers will soon find a way of milking the system, genuine tourists will not get a look in.

My thoughts exactly.

amongst these "balloon chasers" you can find quite a bunch of financially well stuffed folks... who can buy the entire "balloon premises" easily without even thinking about their bank balance.. I've met a few!

/additions made webfact

Agreed and some i've met are tighter with their spending than those that are on a budget.

[cognos]

And who will benefit?

Suspect our local "Cheap Charlie's"/balloon chasers will soon find a way of milking the system, genuine tourists will not get a look in.

My thoughts exactly.

With the cheap charlies,the lowest common denominator of drunken, rude, obese,self-professed casanovas, sweating profusely farangs,hords of miserable katoeys,dirty beaches,russian mafia,etc etc etc....you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear!

[LTGTR]

Maybe reduced, or free, bar fines would be an even greater inducement

Perfect-reduced/free barfines AND free rooms-I may stay longer than a year after all-NOT!

[LTGTR]

I think this could prejudice those tourists who have booked & paid in advance,surely these guests are those that the hotels wish to secure,the return market is the key to success.

Who pays for a hotel in advance?

[LTGTR]

It would not be surprise me if the brilliant promotion is valid for Thai nationals only...

Or a further inducement-make border runs 10 days instead of 15.

[sawadeeken]

What with them trying to "lure tourists -- (ie: farangs)", offering discounts and free rooms........... it is hard to figure the banks starting to charge foreign ATM card users a 150 baht fee........................... TIT ????????

[brahmburgers]

I can picture it:

You're charged 1000 baht for hotel room. You tell them 'that's the regular price for this room - what about the 50% discount I was promised?"

"Oh, so sorry, the regular price was just changed to 2,000 baht, so you see: you getting 50% discount!"

[capco1]

I've got a brilliant idea!!.......Thailand needs to borrow a few airplanes from Thai Airways and simply fly around the world stopping at all the major hubs and pick up passengers for FREE!!....Then when they get to LOS set 'em up in a nice hotel for FREE!!......Supply them with a coupon good for one bar fine, FREE!!.....And last but not least, lets not forget that silly little Siam sunrise (or whatever it's called) fruity drink .....oh, for FREE!!

That should take care of people being shot at, bus crashing fire bombs, riots, airports being seized.....Need I go on?

Bottom line is my fine friends in Thailand.....YOU'RE SCREWED!!!

I don't care what you offer for free I highly doubt that mom and pop will bringing the grandma and three kids for some sun and frolic in Thailand for a very long time!!

[ChiangMaiFurnishedApts]

It would not be surprise me if the brilliant promotion is valid for Thai nationals only...

Or a further inducement-make border runs 10 days instead of 15.

EXACTLY what I was thinking. Last time there was a problem in Bangkok at the airport and the tourists fled any way they could they went ahead and decreased the 30 day visa on arrival ( by land ) to 15 days.

That automaticially doubles the amount of people entering the country if they have to go every 15 days to the border and then HEY PRESTO, what tourist problem ?

So now we have free visas, free rooms so what is the next carrot being offered to the tourist to lure them to the LOS.

Time to increase the departure tax and decrease the visa on arrival to 7 days

[MarketingIgnite]

And who will benefit?

Suspect our local "Cheap Charlie's"/balloon chasers will soon find a way of milking the system, genuine tourists will not get a look in.

My thoughts exactly.

amongst these "balloon chasers" you can find quite a bunch of financially well stuffed folks... who can buy the entire "balloon premises" easily without even thinking about their bank balance.. I've met a few!

/additions made webfact

[MarketingIgnite]

I think it's a great idea. Tourism is falling and you have to do something about it to get people back or the hotels along with the rest of the industry will be in big trouble soon and then more people will be layed off, which just leads to more economic problems. Hotels owe money to the bank who demands this back in due time and without customers, there will be companies that have to close down. As you already know, there is no such thing as a free lunch without a catch, but the message is clear (that it will be cheaper at least) and there will be people who will go there and spend their money, whether they are cheap charlies or whether they have a decent economic standing. This will get things rolling again even if only cheap charlies come in the beginning, they still have to eat.....I think instead of complaining it's better to try to come together Thai and Foreigners and make Thailand well again and spend to get the overall economy up again. Complaining has never helped an economy but thinking positive about potential solutions would be more beneficial. Also instead of thinking what's in for me all the time, maybe lets think what is that I can do to help the economic situation and people as a whole (this will help you as well in the long run). Also if you think you are getting screwed in Thailand maybe it's time to go home where you are from. I dont intend to be rude but if this is really what you think maybe you should consider. If this promotion is so bad what do you recommend them doing instead?

[Chang_paarp]

the Thai authorities great at releasing these attention grabbing headlines, forgive me if i'm cynical that many farang customers will be getting free rooms -

Unfortunately these things only get headlines in Thai papers. The rest of the world yawns and waits for the correction and conditions to come out a few days later.

[Magoomba]

It would not be surprise me if the brilliant promotion is valid for Thai nationals only...

There is an easy answer to that. Only check in when I have a Thai national with me. If the Thai National only wants a short holiday check out the next morning and look for another Thai.

I hear there are plenty of "Homeless" on beach Rd

[MarketingIgnite]

I think it's a great idea Tourism is falling and you have to do something about it to get people back or the hotels along with the rest of the industry will be in big trouble soon and then more people will be layed off, which just leads to more economic problems. Hotels owe money to the bank who demands this back in due time and without customers, there will be companies that have to close down. As you already know, there is no such thing as a free lunch without a catch, but the message is clear (that it will be cheaper at least) and there will be people who will go there and spend their money, whether they are cheap charlies or whether they have a decent economic standing. This will get things rolling again even if only cheap charlies come in the beginning, they still have to eat.....I think instead of complaing it's better to try to come together Thai and Foreigners and make Thailand well again and spend to get the overall economy up again. Complaining has never helped an economy but having a mindset; how can we all make this better?

[OldenAtwoody]

Pattaya to woo visitors with free rooms

BANGKOK: -- Tourism operators in Pattaya plan to offer free hotel rooms from May 1 to Oct 31 to attract local and international tourists during the low season.

Apart from hotels, restaurants and shopping malls will also join the campaign, offering discounts up to 50%. Final details will be decided tomorrow.

The seaside resort city is facing difficult times because of the global economic recession and local political problems, said Chatchawal Supachayanont, president of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA).

"With this campaign, we hope tourists and meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) activities will be lured back to Pattaya again and tourism sentiment will improve as well," he said.

Mr Chatchawal said Pattaya's hotels had about 20,000 rooms and that all operators would join the promotion.

"This is the first time we have had co-operation from all parties, aiming to restore Pattaya's tourism image," he said.

"Average occupancy was not so bad at around 30-40% after the Songkran festival. But we are very concerned about reservations from overseas, which are not coming yet."

Pattaya's image took a hit just before Songkran when red-shirted protesters forced the cancellation of the Asean Summit after they stormed the meeting site, the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel.

Operators in Pattaya hope that when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva goes abroad he will be able to explain the problems in Thailand and how the government intends to solve them, in order to restore confidence among visitors.

-- Bangkok Post 2009-04-22

I think this has something to do with the tailored clothing promotion: "Men's pants 1/2 off".

[OldenAtwoody]

Sorry.

What's a "balloon chaser"?

God, I feel so naive...

A term from the Big Mango Blog: Balloon Chaser.

A balloon chaser is a guy who goes looking for balloons in bars — a sure sign that there is some sort of party or special event. Cheap drinks and free food. Balloon chasers only drink at happy hours and parties.

http://bargirlsrpeople2.wordpress.com/2009...alloon-chasing/

[shotover]

I think this could prejudice those tourists who have booked & paid in advance,surely these guests are those that the hotels wish to secure,the return market is the key to success.

Who pays for a hotel in advance?

Tourists booking hotel rooms online usually pay for the room in advance.

Addtionally, it is standard practice in many Pattaya Hotels that walk-in Hotel guests pay for their rooms in advance for the full length of their stay, due to guests sometimes booking a room for one or more weeks, but checking out after a couple of days. Additionally, many hotels also require the guest to pay a deposit (often 500 baht) in case they use any of the overpriced room service crap the hotel management stocks in the rooms, even though the guests don't want it.

[alstaxi]

Sorry.

What's a "balloon chaser"?

God, I feel so naive...

Establishments having a birthday, opening, anniversary, party, etc. etc. decorate with balloons, and give away free food, some people search these places out and eat free, they also wash out their under wear in the sink at night and save on laundry, not for me , but to each his own.

[bf2002]

And who will benefit?

Suspect our local "Cheap Charlie's"/balloon chasers will soon find a way of milking the system, genuine tourists will not get a look in.

Please explain how cheap charlies can milk the system.

From the other side this is in my opinion just another case of a lot of talking same as with all other campaigns.Shops in pattaya are advertising 50 % discounts already year round so there will change nothing.Don't expect that the regular hotels will tell you next month that their rate is even 5 % lower then last month.Rather expect an increase in room rate as the tourist numbers go down.The usual thai business logic.

It isn't always "Thai business logic"....the cost of food has gone up dramatiically here in the "real world" for us foreigners (i.e. the West)...and this happened only after the food companies had eaten tons of high costs when they absorbed the cost of high oil...now they are trying to recover those costs...often, costs go up a while AFTER a particular industry is forced to absorb costs.

Thai hotel rates are the same way....also, when you have less tourists and more empty rooms, the only mathematical solution is to charge more for rooms...the same thing is happening to those who are making mortgage payments and own homes in areas with housing associations in the States....less payers, same costs, and this equals higher costs for those still there.

Like it or not, this is how the revenue formula works...and yes, it does lead to losing more guests "sometimes"...if we assume the guests who are still visiting Thailand are price sensitive. I'm guessing some are and some are not....the hardcore BG mongers will come as long as they have money whatever the costs of a room....and there are always going to be cheap rooms anyways.

[a99az]

Why not just charge the real price all over (ie 20bart into the parks) and the tourist will flock back.

[jasperguy]

Perhaps they should look into canceling the "farangs pay more" attitude and maybe the tourism might flourish!

[roego]

Not really hard to do promotional packages except as someone said most are done through online agencies and they cause problems.

If all the hotels employed a few reservation specialists that could handle English and do their own promo would be a start.

The Government could give a tax reduction for a start on the rooms say for 6 months.

Hotels could easily do stay 4 pay for 3.Not hard to do genuine. or stay 3 nights or more and get 50% off in house catering.Or free airport pick up if stay 5 nights etc. etc.

But I do agree with the comments that the Thai thinking is not prone to do this genuine. As said business slow increase price, Farang has plenty money.

i live Malaysia and used to come up 3 weeks in every 3 months, but not now. Come to the land border and give me 14 days, and if you come across at Sungai Goloc dead set 1 or 2 clerks treat you like a criminal.

So now I have tried Cambodia and found good and Vietnam okla.

Its like a tip. I will always give a tip, even if there is one incorporated, IF THE SERVICE AND FOOD IS GOOD. But if not will not

Edited April 22, 2009 by roego

[roego]

Pattaya to woo visitors with free rooms

BANGKOK: -- Tourism operators in Pattaya plan to offer free hotel rooms from May 1 to Oct 31 to attract local and international tourists during the low season.

Apart from hotels, restaurants and shopping malls will also join the campaign, offering discounts up to 50%. Final details will be decided tomorrow.

The seaside resort city is facing difficult times because of the global economic recession and local political problems, said Chatchawal Supachayanont, president of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA).

"With this campaign, we hope tourists and meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) activities will be lured back to Pattaya again and tourism sentiment will improve as well," he said.

Mr Chatchawal said Pattaya's hotels had about 20,000 rooms and that all operators would join the promotion.

"This is the first time we have had co-operation from all parties, aiming to restore Pattaya's tourism image," he said.

"Average occupancy was not so bad at around 30-40% after the Songkran festival. But we are very concerned about reservations from overseas, which are not coming yet."

Pattaya's image took a hit just before Songkran when red-shirted protesters forced the cancellation of the Asean Summit after they stormed the meeting site, the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel.

Operators in Pattaya hope that when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva goes abroad he will be able to explain the problems in Thailand and how the government intends to solve them, in order to restore confidence among visitors.

-- Bangkok Post 2009-04-22

[roego]

Just a quicky reply. Have a look at the business that offers hotel bookings here on the Thai Visa site.

See if you can find the specials.

[Lockstock]

I guess that these free rooms will run along side the 50% discount in fares with Thai Air that we were told about earlier in the year

[oevna]

I think this could prejudice those tourists who have booked & paid in advance,surely these guests are those that the hotels wish to secure,the return market is the key to success.

Who pays for a hotel in advance?

Tourists booking hotel rooms online usually pay for the room in advance.

Addtionally, it is standard practice in many Pattaya Hotels that walk-in Hotel guests pay for their rooms in advance for the full length of their stay, due to guests sometimes booking a room for one or more weeks, but checking out after a couple of days. Additionally, many hotels also require the guest to pay a deposit (often 500 baht) in case they use any of the overpriced room service crap the hotel management stocks in the rooms, even though the guests don't want it.

I have not found this to be the case, and I have stayed in budget, mid-range, and high-end hotels in Thailand. The most expensive stay I had was at The Oriental Bangkok, and I didn't have to pay anything until check-out. Although admittedly that was only for one night, so they didn't have to worry about me canceling a long reservation early. The hotel room was reserved with a credit card, which was not charged until check-out. That is not the same as paying in advance, but obviously it provides a level of guarantee for the hotel. I don't know many people who would pay in cash for a stay at The Oriental, but I suppose it could happen, and maybe they require customers paying in cash to pay in advance if they don't provide a credit card on registration.

As for the budget and mid-range places, I have only ever payed in cash at check-out time, never at registration, and I have almost always been a walk-in customer at those places (i.e. no reservation in advance) and stayed for a few days to a couple weeks at various times. I have only ever stayed at one place in Pattaya, so I do not have a lot of experience with the general hotel market there. Where have you stayed that required paying in full at registration time? I will remember to avoid them!