Thailand Focuses On High Spending Tourists, Not Numbers

[Thai at Heart]

.... you are now up to 25% or more of the economy. Tourism is a huge component of Thailand's economy. All you need to do is walk around with your eyes open and you will see it all over the country.

25%

Sometimes you people crack me up. I agree, all you need to do is walk around, but it is not where you think.

TH

I agree, it isn't 25% but it is definitely more than 6%. Much like even measuring how many tourists come to Thailand, measuring things so ephemeral as tourism earnings are being discussed.

[richieudon]

But on the other hand high rollers are probably using helicopters.

See the headline.

"CEO of McDonalds beaten up by pilot"

- Jim Skinner, CEO of McDonalds, is in hospital with multiple fractures after being assaulted by the pilot of his Thai rented corporate jet over a disagreement regarding the fare.

From his hospital bed Mr Skinner said " We'd already agreed on a fee of $25000 USD per hour to fly me to Thailand but upon arrival the pilot demanded an extra $100000 dollars. When I refused to pay for what was only an 8000 mile journey the pilot left and returned with the co-pilot. They both began to assault me with a bottle of Moet Chandon and a sliver tray of Beluga caviar which they had taken from the plane's galley."

Police soon arrested the pilot, Mr Sombat Nomoralswhatsoever, who was found hiding on the roof of his brother in law's house in Saraburi after having fled the scene of the incident.

The co-pilot, Mr Wirat Iamacheatingbastard, is still on the run.

Now this one wins for me. I am still in stitches!!!!

[brianb1944]

im all for $20k in the bank for a free 12 month visa, makes Thailand more attractive and will get more money and people here

Cant remember last time I had $20000 in bank, but happy to pay for my Non O every 14 or 15 months.

[chiang mai]

thai economy revolves around 3 things - Sex, - Rice and tourism. You take out one of these and thailand would crumble in a matter of minutes.

Rough figures:

Tourism - 6% of GDP

Prostitution - 3%

Rice - don't know, but it isn't the remaining 91%

True tourisim is a relatively small part of the Thai GDP, but its also the largest earner of foreing currency.

It has been stated so many times already, but here it goes again.

The figures are misleading!

For starters, take the prostitution figure and triple it to at least 9%. Then add it to the tourism figure. Now you are up to 14%. Now add everything else they leave out: hotel supplies, taxis, restaurants that cater to foreigners, etc. and you are likely up to 20%. Now figure in the lack of income reporting and you are now up to 25% or more of the economy. Tourism is a huge component of Thailand's economy. All you need to do is walk around with your eyes open and you will see it all over the country.

Here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Thailand, learn something about Thailands economy and then post afterwards.

[Tejas]

Why start a campaign to focus on high end tourist and potentially dissuade lower end tourist coming, thinking they're not welcome??

Why doesn't TAT focus on, just, tourism????

That is the solution: stop upsetting the majority of tourists (most are not rich) and start focusing on tourism in general for all income groups--high, medium, and low income.

The solution is so simple. Why can't TAT see this? Why continue to upset Westerners and ruin the tourism industry?

I won't say where or who, but some organizations are run by total idiots.

[chiang mai]

Why start a campaign to focus on high end tourist and potentially dissuade lower end tourist coming, thinking they're not welcome??

Why doesn't TAT focus on, just, tourism????

That is the solution: stop upsetting the majority of tourists (most are not rich) and start focusing on tourism in general for all income groups--high, medium, and low income.

The solution is so simple. Why can't TAT see this? Why continue to upset Westerners and ruin the tourism industry?

I won't say where or who, but some organizations are run by total idiots.

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

[jontom]

Just a thought, I wonder how many Farang are employed as consultants to TAT... I'll bet the number is zero.

The Thais know best and don't need any farang to tell them what the needs of a Farang are, lol...

Also why is the TAT management comprised of old biddies, totally out of touch with the modern world. There are plenty of people under 40 with high spending power.

They are just a bunch of plonkers, NUFF said...

"What we have found is that the characteristics of Thai people and services attract repeat visitors. Thailand is like no other place in the world," said Juthaporn. Quote!

"Yes Somchai scam me again on your Tuk Tuk, no in fact please give me another slapping for me daring to point out that you are robbing me. What planet is Juthaporn on?

[jontom]

Why start a campaign to focus on high end tourist and potentially dissuade lower end tourist coming, thinking they're not welcome??

Why doesn't TAT focus on, just, tourism????

That is the solution: stop upsetting the majority of tourists (most are not rich) and start focusing on tourism in general for all income groups--high, medium, and low income.

The solution is so simple. Why can't TAT see this? Why continue to upset Westerners and ruin the tourism industry?

I won't say where or who, but some organizations are run by total idiots.

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

Are you calling the 1 million plus Malaysians who cross the border on Knocking shop excursions tourists?

[dom samui]

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

January to October last year. Lucky guy who can get the stats from 01/01/2009 to 31/10/2009.... source ???

[LaoPo]

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

chiang mai Can you please post the link where you found those numbers ?

The last numbers are from Jan>>> March 2009.*

Are you sure they are from 2009?

The only source, giving out tourist arrivals: International Tourists Arrival (By Nationality) Year2009

* http://www.tourism.go.th/index.php?option=...iew&id=3122

Main statistics over the years: http://www.tourism.go.th/index.php?option=...&Itemid=506

LaoPo

[robsamui]

For certain - NOBODY knows what they are doing in this country! or what others are doing and saying either! Possibly the very best BOO BOO in this respect occurred several years ago when Mr Taksin's deputy declared categorically on Thai TV on a Tuesday that only 60 drug dealers had been injured resisting arrest in that year - only for his boss to make a statement two days later to the effect that it was estimated to be 2,000.

I reckon that 80% of all Thai officials have no idea at all of current administrative policies. Even their websites are two years out of date with the information - why do you think that this Thaivisa.com website was created in the first place?

Witness what happens when a new Minister or regional police chief is appointed - they just HAVE to change everything just for the sake of it. And quite often to the extent that so-called 'national policies' are ignored.

One of the most lovable things about this country is that every knows hardly anything about anything but are convinced that they do. Hence all the electricians that have never seen a test meter, the hairdressers that have never been trained but can afford the equipment, the Wat Po certification that needs only 12 hours to obtain, university degree courses that need only 8 months attendance and are the same level as high school in the West, people wearing suits (suits!) on Thai TV and talking earnestly about soccer, BKK taxi drivers that will set off not knowing where they are going, banks that operate on a franchise like McDonald's and with no connection with any other branches, and immigration/tourism ministers that have no idea about what each other are saying.

R

[Hanuman2547]

Domestically, TAT will go further with its national domestic campaign, "12 months 7 stars and 9 suns", with ads featuring Thai superstar Thongchai "Bird" McIntyre.

"Although we paid a high sum to get him (Thongchai), he has the ability to stimulate a huge tourism movement," said Juthaporn.

Thongchai who??? Ok, he's a dam_n big star in Thailand, no doubt about it. He is getting older so not quite the draw he once was. However, outside of Thailand who the hel_l would know him?

A number of years ago Tata Young, while at the top of her career in Thailand, went to LA to put on a concert. She came back with her head held low after performing in an almost empty concert hall in the USA.

Another failed TAT ad campaign in the making!

[johnswift1956]

Why start a campaign to focus on high end tourist and potentially dissuade lower end tourist coming, thinking they're not welcome??

Why doesn't TAT focus on, just, tourism????

That is the solution: stop upsetting the majority of tourists (most are not rich) and start focusing on tourism in general for all income groups--high, medium, and low income.

The solution is so simple. Why can't TAT see this? Why continue to upset Westerners and ruin the tourism industry?

I won't say where or who, but some organizations are run by total idiots.

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

Trouble is these will not stand up as the UK figures include border runs so the UK visitors could be 25% of this figure Stats.... Dont you love um....

[mommysboy]

Why would a hgh roller come to Thailand? Even high rollers want value for money. Why would they come to a cess pit like Thailand. I'm here because it's cheapish, and I put up with the rubbish quality.

[mommysboy]

Why start a campaign to focus on high end tourist and potentially dissuade lower end tourist coming, thinking they're not welcome??

Why doesn't TAT focus on, just, tourism????

That is the solution: stop upsetting the majority of tourists (most are not rich) and start focusing on tourism in general for all income groups--high, medium, and low income.

The solution is so simple. Why can't TAT see this? Why continue to upset Westerners and ruin the tourism industry?

I won't say where or who, but some organizations are run by total idiots.

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

Trouble is these will not stand up as the UK figures include border runs so the UK visitors could be 25% of this figure Stats.... Dont you love um....

Chiangmai does for sure!. What's more he loves to embellish, misquote and fabricate them too.

[dom samui]

However they are already on the job :

Tourism and Sports permanent secretary transferred

The Cabinet Tuesday transferred Tourism and Sports Permanent Secretary Sasithara Pichaicharnnarong to the post of an advisor of a deputy prime minister at the PM's office.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sasithara was transferred to the PM's Office because newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri wants to her to serve as his advisor.

The Nation

Ex-Tourism and Sports Permanent Secretary Sasithara Pichaicharnnarong may be don't want to hear anymore about Tourism and High Spending Tourists, thanks to

newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri !

[wolf5370]

This was "unveilled" to whom? The world press? Doubt it somehow - national at best. Why? because its all just a two way con: To give the goldfish-memoried voting populous an excuse when the number drop again (following the likely world publicised street violence thats coming next month thanks to a certain Cambodian advisor!); and secondly because although they know most tourists come with enough money for a dos house in Kaosan Road, a few bags of hash and the price of a full moon ticket, they can't say that expats contribute a much larger average per-head tally each year as it would be a vote killer that no one wants to hear it - and they may be forced to consider the implications of us all sodding off and doing something to entice us to stay.

[chiang mai]

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

January to October last year. Lucky guy who can get the stats from 01/01/2009 to 31/10/2009.... source ???

I was trying to make the point that Thai tourism is not dependant upon the West and that regional visitors represent the majority, I simply googled something or other to obtain those stats although I can't immediately remember what I typed and right now I can't find the source but I will look again in the morning. In the meantime, I came across the following that discusses trends but not in the same detail or for the same period.

http://www.bccthai.com/asp/view_doc.asp?DocCID=1072

http://www.thaiwebsites.com/tourism.asp

[Tejas]

Why start a campaign to focus on high end tourist and potentially dissuade lower end tourist coming, thinking they're not welcome??

Why doesn't TAT focus on, just, tourism????

That is the solution: stop upsetting the majority of tourists (most are not rich) and start focusing on tourism in general for all income groups--high, medium, and low income.

The solution is so simple. Why can't TAT see this? Why continue to upset Westerners and ruin the tourism industry?

I won't say where or who, but some organizations are run by total idiots.

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

But it is obvious that upsetting Westerners is part of the picture.

The point I and others are making is that it is not wise to implement a tourism policy that offends ANY foreign tourists. Why? Guess.

The best promotional policy is to target all tourists from all income levels.

[Dustybin]

And how many of them figures are pervs and pedos.

Thats the figure that needs advertising, and then falang families know whats going on.

Also advertise the falang tourist fatalities,

[Dustybin]

Sounds like a second hand rehash of the elite scheme.

[backsoon]

Why start a campaign to focus on high end tourist and potentially dissuade lower end tourist coming, thinking they're not welcome??

Why doesn't TAT focus on, just, tourism????

That is the solution: stop upsetting the majority of tourists (most are not rich) and start focusing on tourism in general for all income groups--high, medium, and low income.

The solution is so simple. Why can't TAT see this? Why continue to upset Westerners and ruin the tourism industry?

I won't say where or who, but some organizations are run by total idiots.

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

ENOUGH! IT WAS AN INTERESTING POST... BUT NOW COMES THE TIME TO CLOSE IT. IT IS BECOMING REPETITIVE AND SHALLOW.

In essense, all the arguments are trying to decide whether the new policy is TIT for TAT, or TAT for TIT. It is futile... because it is neither NEW, nor POLICY. Besides, NOBODY among those 'in power'

1) read this

2) if read, can understand this

3) have real power to change anything

4) can give a dam_n about anything

So, please, stop... Close the bla-bla-bla... ENOUGH!

[chiang mai]

Upsetting Westerners is not a part of the picture, the numbers for January to October last year show that most visitors to Thailand come from :

A Malaysia 1,359,220

B Japan 822,767

C United Kingdom 670,904

D China 590,725

E Australia 520,090

F USA 496,812

I wont say who but some posters don't know what they're talking about.

chiang mai Can you please post the link where you found those numbers ?

The last numbers are from Jan>>> March 2009.*

Are you sure they are from 2009?

The only source, giving out tourist arrivals: International Tourists Arrival (By Nationality) Year2009

* http://www.tourism.go.th/index.php?option=...iew&id=3122

Main statistics over the years: http://www.tourism.go.th/index.php?option=...&Itemid=506

LaoPo

Finally found it again, as you will see the data comes from teh Immigration Bureau, Police Dept:

http://www.tourism.go.th/2009/upload/touri...............pdf

Edited January 20, 2010 by chiang mai

[LaoPo]

Finally found it again, as you will see the data comes from teh Immigration Bureau, Police Dept:

http://www.tourism.go.th/2009/upload/touri...............pdf

Thanks a lot: I didn't see those numbers yet; much appreciated !

LaoPo

[chiang mai]

Chiangmai does for sure!. What's more he loves to embellish, misquote and fabricate them too.

Tell your paranoid problems to the Police Dept, the reference for the numbers are here:

http://www.tourism.go.th/2009/upload/touri...............pdf

And I think now that you've accused me of embellishment, misquotes and lies that an apology is in order don't you think.

[Thai at Heart]

Finally found it again, as you will see the data comes from teh Immigration Bureau, Police Dept:

http://www.tourism.go.th/2009/upload/touri...............pdf

Thanks a lot: I didn't see those numbers yet; much appreciated !

LaoPo

Massive drop from Japan, Korea and China. A lot of golfers maybe didn't travel coz of economy and some because of currency. That said, Xmas would have been a big time for this lot to travel, but until the numbers are out, we will never know.

They are quite fretful travellers at the same time, so I can bet the airport didn't help.

Europeans obviously quite resilient market.

Thing is, these numbers whilst being of some relevance, mean diddly squat when trying to make a strategy. Some bloke from India stopping off for a day for a bit of business and then onto somewhere else registers the same as a long haul tourist staying for 2 weeks.

[Dakhar]

But on the other hand high rollers are probably using helicopters.

See the headline.

"CEO of McDonalds beaten up by pilot"

- Jim Skinner, CEO of McDonalds, is in hospital with multiple fractures after being assaulted by the pilot of his Thai rented corporate jet over a disagreement regarding the fare.

From his hospital bed Mr Skinner said " We'd already agreed on a fee of $25000 USD per hour to fly me to Thailand but upon arrival the pilot demanded an extra $100000 dollars. When I refused to pay for what was only an 8000 mile journey the pilot left and returned with the co-pilot. They both began to assault me with a bottle of Moet Chandon and a sliver tray of Beluga caviar which they had taken from the plane's galley."

Police soon arrested the pilot, Mr Sombat Nomoralswhatsoever, who was found hiding on the roof of his brother in law's house in Saraburi after having fled the scene of the incident.

The co-pilot, Mr Wirat Iamacheatingbastard, is still on the run.

Post of the year

[Dakhar]

Domestically, TAT will go further with its national domestic campaign, "12 months 7 stars and 9 suns", with ads featuring Thai superstar Thongchai "Bird" McIntyre.

"Although we paid a high sum to get him (Thongchai), he has the ability to stimulate a huge tourism movement," said Juthaporn.

Thongchai who??? Ok, he's a dam_n big star in Thailand, no doubt about it. He is getting older so not quite the draw he once was. However, outside of Thailand who the hel_l would know him?

A number of years ago Tata Young, while at the top of her career in Thailand, went to LA to put on a concert. She came back with her head held low after performing in an almost empty concert hall in the USA.

Another failed TAT ad campaign in the making!

"12 months 7 stars and 9 suns",

12 months of TB meds, 7 bouts of herpes, and 9 warts...... after visiting Thailand

Amazing Thailand, Amazing results

[chiang mai]

Finally found it again, as you will see the data comes from teh Immigration Bureau, Police Dept:

http://www.tourism.go.th/2009/upload/touri...............pdf

Thanks a lot: I didn't see those numbers yet; much appreciated !

LaoPo

Massive drop from Japan, Korea and China. A lot of golfers maybe didn't travel coz of economy and some because of currency. That said, Xmas would have been a big time for this lot to travel, but until the numbers are out, we will never know.

They are quite fretful travellers at the same time, so I can bet the airport didn't help.

Europeans obviously quite resilient market.

Thing is, these numbers whilst being of some relevance, mean diddly squat when trying to make a strategy. Some bloke from India stopping off for a day for a bit of business and then onto somewhere else registers the same as a long haul tourist staying for 2 weeks.

I agree, but it's interesting to see where the major falls have occurred and also, where they haven't, case in point is the UK only down 1.5%.

[Thai at Heart]

Finally found it again, as you will see the data comes from teh Immigration Bureau, Police Dept:

http://www.tourism.go.th/2009/upload/touri...............pdf

Thanks a lot: I didn't see those numbers yet; much appreciated !

LaoPo

Massive drop from Japan, Korea and China. A lot of golfers maybe didn't travel coz of economy and some because of currency. That said, Xmas would have been a big time for this lot to travel, but until the numbers are out, we will never know.

They are quite fretful travellers at the same time, so I can bet the airport didn't help.

Europeans obviously quite resilient market.

Thing is, these numbers whilst being of some relevance, mean diddly squat when trying to make a strategy. Some bloke from India stopping off for a day for a bit of business and then onto somewhere else registers the same as a long haul tourist staying for 2 weeks.

I agree, but it's interesting to see where the major falls have occurred and also, where they haven't, case in point is the UK only down 1.5%.

Maybe by the end of the year with complete stats the reality will be that many Europeans didn't travel for Xmas. One would imagine that a huge amount of the European trade is in or around that time of the year. Brits in 2007 were 763k, 2008 TOTAL 812 k.

2007

http://www.tourismthailand.co.uk/index.php...view&id=124

2008

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living...ceania/thailand

So in the last 2 months that would mean 150k Brits having to travel just to get the same number. Possible, but lets see.