BMA launches 'Bangkok One' project

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin today launched a project designed to put Thailand's capital at the forefront of the regional trade and tourism sectors.

Noting that Bangkok has an advantage in terms of its size and the fact that it was twinned with several cities across the world, Mr. Apirak said that the 'Bangkok One' scheme would serve to transform Thailand's capital into a centre of trade, international communications and tourism.

Under the scheme, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will conduct roadshows for public and private sector officials across the world, urging them to relocate to Bangkok.

Mr. Apirak expressed hope that the scheme would make Bangkok a major business centre within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as a distribution point for goods and an export point for quality Thai products.

The BMA will also try to attract more tourists to the Thai capital, particularly by offering homestays.

--TNA 2005-06-13

BMA launches 'Bangkok One' project 

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin today launched a project designed to put Thailand's capital at the forefront of the regional trade and tourism sectors.

--TNA 2005-06-13

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I recommend they follow the same sucessful plan for Thailand World Fashion Industry

" Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin today launched a project designed to put Thailand's capital at the forefront of the regional trade and tourism sectors."

Good idea except. Thailands reputation for corruption, sars, bird flu, terrorism, tsunamis, civil rights abuses (killing sprees), inconsistant immigration policies, pollution, traffic, broken down sidewalks, early closing times at entertainment areas and random drug tests at places like the Q Bar.

They want families and corporations coming here?

Great idea but many hurdles to overcome to turn this into reality. First and foremost of which is getting the Thailand National Government to co-operate in making some of the changes that would be necessary to increase the desirability of Thailand as a business hub.

Center of tourism – on the way

Center of trade – will take some work

Center of communications – are you joking? Thai cell phone network is a mess, and broadband internet is less than consistent. I mean just review the Tv form:

Cell Phones:

AIS – Lucky not to get a busy signal

The others – DTAC, Orange, etc. – lucky to get a signal

Internet

Pick’em – probably stuck paying for speed that isn’t available and far too much “down time” with many.

Under the scheme – Imagine that another “scheme” in Thailand

Urging them to relocate to Bangkok – I don’t suppose part of the relocation scheme will include assistance in helping to overcome the many hurdles in place to dissuade international companies from already being in Bangkok in larger numbers?

Immigration

Working rules and regulations – work permits and such

Consistent and reliable rule of law – corruption???

Tax and duty relief to make Thailand desirable rather than protectionist policies that prevent rather than promote?

Quality Thai products – oxymoron?

Promote tourism by offering homestays – In Bangkok? Is it realistic to expect to get a noticeable increase in tourism based upon promoting homestays? Besides isn’t there already quite a bit of this going on in Bangers? Maybe I am off the mark here but don’t homestay type programs generally attract a younger/student type group – is this really the group they want to target for increasing tourism?