Thailand ‘Best Tourist Country’ For 9th Consecutive Year In Sweden’s Top Tourism Award

[ginjag]

<br>What a load of bs this magazine should be ripped up, when tourist are  being assaulted and extorted on beaches they should not be worthy of this type of award.<br><br>look at the complaints on facebook thailand jet ski scams.<br>

<br><br>

You are obviously either very narrow minded or naive. These scams happen in all countries. Contrary to popular opinion they are talked about more openly in Thailand because of the freedom of press here. Many countries would not allow the openness that Thailand allows.

On another note here in Thailand they are mainly talked about in the English speaking press. The press has no credibility in truth telling. Do you really believe that all the accusations in the press are true. Do you really believe that the press reports the final decisions if they are six months in the making. They do if there is enough people interested but as you well know people are not interested beyond the headlines. Unless they can use it to push there own prejudices. ""

And finally this is not a universal statement it is only one organization in Sweden's opinion.

Just out of curiosity what country would you rate as a top tourist destination. Many of the western countries rule them selves out with there tough visa regulations. Where as Thailand lets any one enter for a holiday. That fact alone should tell you that Thailand is a friendly place to come to.

A best tourist country would not allow two of it's most popular tourists beaches Phuket and Pattaya to be run by mafia thugs , for people to be assaulted , and robbed daily , with no support or very little from police and I don't just rely on press reports I i have seen it dozens of times with my own eyes.

And as far as ranking different countries I wont get into that without personal experience but I am sure that other countries with less corruption would have to rank better.

We are gonna get salted for this but the truth is something that has to be heard. So many people on forum will come back at you for your honest comment-cause they don't want to believe. and cry you down for it. I do think there are not many national police forces that tolerate this behavior. that is at your top tourist spots, there may be a few. but in general there are more walking around-as in London, to help the tourist and be seen.

[c64]

Well... First and foremost I need to see a link to this "grand travel award" they're quoting in this topic.

I haven't heard about anything with that name here (but it might be a translation) so I could read up it's credible.

When it comes to swedes, they tend to be a little gullible and think too good about other persons. As a result of this they don't see things that's happening in front of their eyes.

Sweden is a very good country to live in with low crime rates (except cities with a major foreign population like Malmö, gothenburg etc), good health care and good social security. That makes people a little blind about what's going on.

I have to be honest. When I started to live in LOS I was quite blind about what was going on. It did take a year of living before my eyes were opened and after two years I moved back home and I'm not going to land my feet on top of thai soil any more than absolutely necessary.

On the other hand it's not so hard to believe that they got this ranking after all based on what i wrote earlier in this post.

Have lived 2 yrs in LOS and 10 in sweden. BTW I'm norwegian

[andyww]

Yes, and wot about all the broken meters in Londons taxis

Personally I would rather have a broken meter in a BKK taxi than a perfectly working one in London, which clocks up for every minute you are stuck in traffic let alone moving.

The poster who mentioned that scams in Thailand get a lot of exposure thus appearing worse than they are is right. Even in Europe some countries hide the truth about tourist crime. For example in the South of France there is a massive problem with muggings and really nasty car-jackings of rented tourist cars but very few people know the scale of it. An immigration supervisor at Gatwick once told me they have several cases of stolen passports every day from tourists returning from France, all backed up by Police reports.

[ginjag]

Yes, and wot about all the broken meters in Londons taxis

Personally I would rather have a broken meter in a BKK taxi than a perfectly working one in London, which clocks up for every minute you are stuck in traffic let alone moving.

The poster who mentioned that scams in Thailand get a lot of exposure thus appearing worse than they are is right. Even in Europe some countries hide the truth about tourist crime. For example in the South of France there is a massive problem with muggings and really nasty car-jackings of rented tourist cars but very few people know the scale of it. An immigration supervisor at Gatwick once told me they have several cases of stolen passports every day from tourists returning from France, all backed up by Police reports.

Taxis in centre of London.Ha more fool you. I lived in the West end (soho) for 10 years and never used taxis, they were way overpriced. and in the rush hours. a taxi was a complete no no. Apart from the rich-and tourists who don't know, most people use the old underground sewers--oops trains-or buses.

[jayjay0]

<br>What a load of bs this magazine should be ripped up, when tourist are  being assaulted and extorted on beaches they should not be worthy of this type of award.<br><br>look at the complaints on facebook thailand jet ski scams.<br>

<br><br>

You are obviously either very narrow minded or naive. These scams happen in all countries. Contrary to popular opinion they are talked about more openly in Thailand because of the freedom of press here. Many countries would not allow the openness that Thailand allows.

On another note here in Thailand they are mainly talked about in the English speaking press. The press has no credibility in truth telling. Do you really believe that all the accusations in the press are true. Do you really believe that the press reports the final decisions if they are six months in the making. They do if there is enough people interested but as you well know people are not interested beyond the headlines. Unless they can use it to push there own prejudices. ""

And finally this is not a universal statement it is only one organization in Sweden's opinion.

Just out of curiosity what country would you rate as a top tourist destination. Many of the western countries rule them selves out with there tough visa regulations. Where as Thailand lets any one enter for a holiday. That fact alone should tell you that Thailand is a friendly place to come to.

A best tourist country would not allow two of it's most popular tourists beaches Phuket and Pattaya to be run by mafia thugs , for people to be assaulted , and robbed daily , with no support or very little from police and I don't just rely on press reports I i have seen it dozens of times with my own eyes.

And as far as ranking different countries I wont get into that without personal experience but I am sure that other countries with less corruption would have to rank better.

On the corruption base yes but they would have to have some thing to offer. Denmark is about the least corrupt country in the world. Are you going to spend time on the beach there in the middle of the winter. Obviously from your reply no you are going to spend it in Thailand.

I rest my case.

[JetsetBkk]

All six replies thus far are negative. What a surprise!

If you all hate this place so much, feel it's such a hellhole that no one should enjoy travelling here... why are you here? <snip>

Glad you have enjoyed your first year here. Talk to you again in 5

Or 10.

[Bagwan]

Perhaps (I know - shocking idea!) this poll is accurate and reflects the true sentiment of tourists visiting Thailand?  It would also explain all those 747s departing BKK to Scandinavia every night.

If nothing else, can we at least appreciate that this may bring more tall, attractive Scandinavian beauties to Thailand?

And perhaps the sky will fall tomorrow. The poll is a reflection of what some Swedes think, not the sentiments of all tourists. The report mentions sun, sand and sea - yet not a whisper about another word beginning with the letter S. If TAT conducted a survey, and those questioned were honest, a goodly proportion would admit they come for a shag - and then TAT would witter on about Thailand's population of sea birds or a plentiful supply of hand rolling tobacco.

Exactly how many 747's are 'all those'? The total population of Denmark, Norway and Sweden is less than 20 million, less than a third of the UK. If we assume that only 3 747's leave every night, and. given the popularity of oh so wonderful Thailand. each would carry about 400 bodies, then about 440,000 people come and go. How many of those are tourists? 

I note that the basis for the report comes from the Foreign Ministry who have probably gilded the lily somewhat. Who has decided that Travel News is the leading Swedish travel magazine? How many tourists read it? If Swedish holidays makers are anything like those of the UK then their only source of information is usually the BS brochures handed out by travel agencies whose prime objective is collecting commission payments. Is any travel magazine going to print that any country is a tip? Of course the free holidays that travel writers enjoy would not flavour the crap that they write. (Cough) Can somebody please define what the following means? 'A committee of renowned personalities in Sweden's tourism industry'. The only effect it had on me was to set off my BS alarm and reduce me to a giggling heap. Renowned personalities indeed. 

What is totally relevant and may be missed by those in a hurry to reach a thread of some importance, relevance and interest to them is the following sentence. 

Tour operators, in turn, vote on the selected nominees based on set criteria such as product and service development, financial management, customer perception, and local tourism agencies.

Note that customer perception is only one factor taken into consideration. This is the really important one. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The rest is all smoke and mirrors. Many who post here are residents, many of long standing, and are not wearing rose tinted spectacles. They have experience of the reality and have commented on the spectacle of Thailand sliding into the abyss and the growing popularity of neighbouring countries. TAT cannot spin that.

[mtc]

<br>What a load of bs this magazine should be ripped up, when tourist are  being assaulted and extorted on beaches they should not be worthy of this type of award.<br><br>look at the complaints on facebook thailand jet ski scams.<br>

<br><br>

You are obviously either very narrow minded or naive. These scams happen in all countries. Contrary to popular opinion they are talked about more openly in Thailand because of the freedom of press here. Many countries would not allow the openness that Thailand allows.

On another note here in Thailand they are mainly talked about in the English speaking press. The press has no credibility in truth telling. Do you really believe that all the accusations in the press are true. Do you really believe that the press reports the final decisions if they are six months in the making. They do if there is enough people interested but as you well know people are not interested beyond the headlines. Unless they can use it to push there own prejudices. ""

And finally this is not a universal statement it is only one organization in Sweden's opinion.

Just out of curiosity what country would you rate as a top tourist destination. Many of the western countries rule them selves out with there tough visa regulations. Where as Thailand lets any one enter for a holiday. That fact alone should tell you that Thailand is a friendly place to come to.

A best tourist country would not allow two of it's most popular tourists beaches Phuket and Pattaya to be run by mafia thugs , for people to be assaulted , and robbed daily , with no support or very little from police and I don't just rely on press reports I i have seen it dozens of times with my own eyes.

And as far as ranking different countries I wont get into that without personal experience but I am sure that other countries with less corruption would have to rank better.

On the corruption base yes but they would have to have some thing to offer. Denmark is about the least corrupt country in the world. Are you going to spend time on the beach there in the middle of the winter. Obviously from your reply no you are going to spend it in Thailand.

I rest my case.

Just read that two aussies have been knifed a tuk tuk driver has been accused , this is not one off of tourists being assaulted , injured and some times killed are regular occurences and you Mr JayJay agree that Thailand is THE BEST tourist country.

[Nisa]

Just read that two aussies have been knifed a tuk tuk driver has been accused , this is not one off of tourists being assaulted , injured and some times killed are regular occurences and you Mr JayJay agree that Thailand is THE BEST tourist country.

But they were Aussies not Swedes.

''We were attacked by about 14 or 15 people,'' one of the group said today. ''It was one of the best holidays. Now it has turned into one of the worst.''

''We hadn't done anything to cause trouble,'' said one young man. ''We were just walking back from Seduction disco.''

[mtc]

Just read that two aussies have been knifed a tuk tuk driver has been accused , this is not one off of tourists being assaulted , injured and some times killed are regular occurences and you Mr JayJay agree that Thailand is THE BEST tourist country.

But they were Aussies not Swedes.

''We were attacked by about 14 or 15 people,'' one of the group said today. ''It was one of the best holidays. Now it has turned into one of the worst.''

''We hadn't done anything to cause trouble,'' said one young man. ''We were just walking back from Seduction disco.''

Maybe the thugs are very selective and leave the swedes alone

[kuffki]

Being a tourist and living in Thailand are 2 very very different things.

As a tourist for most of the time, they do not even know they have been scammed or ripped off.

As a tourist one does not have day to day chores or business dealings.

The longer one lives here and the better one learns the language the more it becomes clear just how much foreigners are scammed, used and ripped off.

Going back to home country is of course an option, however after having lived in the country for long time, it becomes costly and at times almost impossible, because many sell their houses and belonging to make a move and now to go back to what???? So you make the most out of it and hope for the best sooner or later.

Many have married and their wives do not wish to move to another country, so again going back is not an option. Many have invested everything they owned into property or business so again going back is not an option and reasons go on.

Even if there are more crimes against tourists in other countries, for starters to hear about it, one would need to be a member of that country forum or follow the news. Does anyone on this forum is a member of French forums? or follows all French media?

Also when crimes are committed against tourists, there is police and assistance, while in Thailand the only assistance one gets is a copy of the report and same people continue to run same scams from the same location.

I do not think i have been to any country in the world where i was referred to as an "alien" on the official documents and thats where it all starts

[Nisa]

If Thailand was not such a nice tourist destination then there wouldn't be the number of expats who gave up all to move or claim to be trapped here.

[Nisa]

Perhaps for Swedes.

According to The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), The top four international destinations in 2010 were :

1. France

2. U.S.A

3. China

4. Spain

Keep in mind that the UNWTO defines business travelers as tourists too. I am not arguing if Thailand is the best as this of course is personal opinion but Bangkok is also rated within the top 10 when it comes to number of International Tourist visitors. I also can understand why Swedes consider Thailand as one of their top destinations given the difference between climates, people, culture and prices and relative closeness (11 hours). However, I don't think that Swedes visits Thailand more than other countries when it comes to shear number of visitors ... I just think they consider it a top place to vacation.

[ginjag]

If Thailand was not such a nice tourist destination then there wouldn't be the number of expats who gave up all to move here.

For all the farangs that think they are above or smarter than the Thais as well as their perceptions that the country would be in shambles if not for tourists and expats ... it is interesting to note that it is near impossible to become a Thai Citizen or truly integrate into Thai society from jobs, to owning land or business and so on ... but what is important to remember is that this is the way Thailand wants it. I think this makes a number of expats upset because by bruising their ego in terms of Thais not really being concerned with the way farangs believe things should be run here.

As for tourists .. it is a cheap destination with beautiful beaches/islands and smiling friendly faces within a culture very different than there own but whose people understand English in the tourist spots. The vast amount of tourists are not assaulted or robbed and would suspect that many tourists visiting Thailand come keep coming back.

Your first sentence should have read USED to be a nice tourist destination. many expats DONT think they are smarter--Thats your bad thinking, and yes a number of ex pats do get upset. Lack of respect on both sides, I sometimes have doubts about you being a westerner(as you try to come accross) you sound too patriotic. And are too ready to tar many westerners with the same brush---Defending Thailand tourism, underage drivers, Bkk airport, and kicking all in the teeth again with this post

[Nisa]

It is sad when you have some people who get upset not only at the fact other nations and/or international polls show aspects of Thailand rating well but they also appear angry at people who enjoy and/or view Thailand positively ... not sure how much stock we should put into these kinds of opinions. mie-pen-rie / ja-yen-yen

[ginjag]

It is sad when you have some people who get upset not only at the fact other nations and/or international polls show aspects of Thailand rating well but they also appear angry at people who enjoy and/or view Thailand positively ... not sure how much stock we should put into these kinds of opinions. mie-pen-rie / ja-yen-yen

I do not overlook the bad things here, I relish the positive things, but I don't have a bad attitude of most westerners here as you seem to have. The poll was taken in a very thinly populated country, and there are doubts as to how the survey was done, but this one Swedish poll does NOT reflect todays World opinion. Just as you agreed as to how the Bkk airports merit was taken by who and from Who ??? This is not knocking Thailand it,s the way how the news item is blasted out--giving the world a slightly bent picture

[agord]

It is sad when you have some people who get upset not only at the fact other nations and/or international polls show aspects of Thailand rating well but they also appear angry at people who enjoy and/or view Thailand positively ... not sure how much stock we should put into these kinds of opinions. mie-pen-rie / ja-yen-yen

Oui. Mai Phen Rai et Jai yen yen

[gemini81]

All six replies thus far are negative. What a surprise!

If you all hate this place so much, feel it's such a hellhole that no one should enjoy travelling here... why are you here? Leave the place to those of us who actually enjoy living here.

This year my wife and I have a continuous stream of Australian, Canadian and British friends and family coming through our flat on the way to the beaches and up north. All have loved their time in Thailand (and Bangkok) and many have commented on how it's the best place they've visited.

Perhaps (I know - shocking idea!) this poll is accurate and reflects the true sentiment of tourists visiting Thailand? It would also explain all those 747s departing BKK to Scandinavia every night.

If nothing else, can we at least appreciate that this may bring more tall, attractive Scandinavian beauties to Thailand?

thai women are a lot sexier, and plus I don't need a ladder to give them a hug!

[Nisa]

thai women are a lot sexier, and plus I don't need a ladder to give them a hug!

I hate going back to the states and going from tall to average.

[LaoPo]

Thailand ‘Best Tourist Country’ For 9th Consecutive Year In Sweden’s Top Tourism Award

Let's put this in perspective.

Although Sweden is a very nice country with nice people we should not forget that Sweden has a small population: 9 million. That's less than Bangkok has.

Sweden delivers, percentage wise per capita, a large number of tourists to Thailand (remember that many Swedes died during the tsunami with more casualties than any other European nation).

I have a few Swedish friends who visit Thailand on a returning and regular basis, multiple times/year.

But, the headline suggests that it's world touristic news; it probably is for TAT but it's time to move on

LaoPo

[ginjag]

Thailand 'Best Tourist Country' For 9th Consecutive Year In Sweden's Top Tourism Award

Let's put this in perspective.

Although Sweden is a very nice country with nice people we should not forget that Sweden has a small population: 9 million. That's less than Bangkok has.

Sweden delivers, percentage wise per capita, a large number of tourists to Thailand (remember that many Swedes died during the tsunami with more casualties than any other European nation).

I have a few Swedish friends who visit Thailand on a returning and regular basis, multiple times/year.

But, the headline suggests that it's world touristic news; it probably is for TAT but it's time to move on

LaoPo

Good sensible stuff

[Nisa]

Thailand 'Best Tourist Country' For 9th Consecutive Year In Sweden's Top Tourism Award

Let's put this in perspective.

Although Sweden is a very nice country with nice people we should not forget that Sweden has a small population: 9 million. That's less than Bangkok has.

Sweden delivers, percentage wise per capita, a large number of tourists to Thailand (remember that many Swedes died during the tsunami with more casualties than any other European nation).

I have a few Swedish friends who visit Thailand on a returning and regular basis, multiple times/year.

But, the headline suggests that it's world touristic news; it probably is for TAT but it's time to move on

I disagree in terms of the Headline being misleading. Certainly they could have put the word 'Sweden's" first but the headline is still accurate (for those who can accept it as being truthful). However, I am willing to accept it "may" have been worded in a way to sound more grander (while maintaining its accuracy) as long as you can accept that this would not be out of line wording even in another country given national pride and as you mentioned the Tourism Authority which is were a press release, given to the news outlets, like this usually originates in any country.

Given your reminding us of the population of Sweden combined with number of Swedes having the most casualties during the Tsunami it adds a great deal of credibility to this article for those who doubt this story's credibility.

[ginjag]

Thailand 'Best Tourist Country' For 9th Consecutive Year In Sweden's Top Tourism Award

Let's put this in perspective.

Although Sweden is a very nice country with nice people we should not forget that Sweden has a small population: 9 million. That's less than Bangkok has.

Sweden delivers, percentage wise per capita, a large number of tourists to Thailand (remember that many Swedes died during the tsunami with more casualties than any other European nation).

I have a few Swedish friends who visit Thailand on a returning and regular basis, multiple times/year.

But, the headline suggests that it's world touristic news; it probably is for TAT but it's time to move on

I disagree in terms of the Headline being misleading. Certainly they could have put the word 'Sweden's" first but the headline is still accurate (for those who can accept it as being truthful). However, I am willing to accept it "may" have been worded in a way to sound more grander (while maintaining its accuracy) as long as you can accept that this would not be out of line wording even in another country given national pride and as you mentioned the Tourism Authority which is were a press release, given to the news outlets, like this usually originates in any country.

Given your reminding us of the population of Sweden combined with number of Swedes having the most casualties during the Tsunami it adds a great deal of credibility to this article for those who doubt this story's credibility.

Amazing-we get a fair and decent comment from our experienced guy, and you go on the hard stance of defending Thailand. It WAS misleading, the reply was good, Your tone--"you are willing to accept" (judge and jury)

[Nisa]

Amazing-we get a fair and decent comment from our experienced guy, and you go on the hard stance of defending Thailand. It WAS misleading, the reply was good, Your tone--"you are willing to accept" (judge and jury)

Somehow I don't think LaoPo (or any other rational people) will be as ignorant in interpreting my comments.

[Nisa]

there are doubts as to how the survey was done,

from the OP

The Grand Travel Award selection process is conducted through a committee of renowned personalities in Sweden’s tourism industry, which is responsible for selecting nominees for the categories under consideration. Tour operators, in turn, vote on the selected nominees based on set criteria such as product and service development, financial management, customer perception, and local tourism agencies.

from TAT:

Winners in each of the travel-related categories are nominated by a travel trade jury comprising 500 members of the Swedish travel and tourism industry. The awards are presented in several categories with scores allocated according to a scale of 1-6, with 1 being the lowest score and 6 is the highest.

[Ulysses G.]

It is sad when you have some people who get upset not only at the fact other nations and/or international polls show aspects of Thailand rating well but they also appear angry at people who enjoy and/or view Thailand positively ... not sure how much stock we should put into these kinds of opinions.

Nid Noy! Some folks have nothing positive to say about anything.

[ginjag]

Amazing-we get a fair and decent comment from our experienced guy, and you go on the hard stance of defending Thailand. It WAS misleading, the reply was good, Your tone--"you are willing to accept" (judge and jury)

Somehow I don't think LaoPo (or any other rational people) will be as ignorant in interpreting my comments.

O.K. nisa again most are irrational and i,m ignorant. others are less educated etc........ always you have to be the clever top poster. It's quite obvious that anyone not agreeing with you, are similar to the above. I will distance myself from your silly stats. and anti farrang ex pats attitude....

[Nisa]

I will distance myself from your silly stats. and anti farrang ex pats attitude....

Thank you

[ginjag]

I will distance myself from your silly stats. and anti farrang ex pats attitude....

Thank you

Ha Ha 5555555555555, no probs-I know where your cars parked. :lol:

[LaoPo]

Thailand 'Best Tourist Country' For 9th Consecutive Year In Sweden's Top Tourism Award

Let's put this in perspective.

Although Sweden is a very nice country with nice people we should not forget that Sweden has a small population: 9 million. That's less than Bangkok has.

Sweden delivers, percentage wise per capita, a large number of tourists to Thailand (remember that many Swedes died during the tsunami with more casualties than any other European nation).

I have a few Swedish friends who visit Thailand on a returning and regular basis, multiple times/year.

But, the headline suggests that it's world touristic news; it probably is for TAT but it's time to move on

I disagree in terms of the Headline being misleading. Certainly they could have put the word 'Sweden's" first but the headline is still accurate (for those who can accept it as being truthful). However, I am willing to accept it "may" have been worded in a way to sound more grander (while maintaining its accuracy) as long as you can accept that this would not be out of line wording even in another country given national pride and as you mentioned the Tourism Authority which is were a press release, given to the news outlets, like this usually originates in any country.

Given your reminding us of the population of Sweden combined with number of Swedes having the most casualties during the Tsunami it adds a great deal of credibility to this article for those who doubt this story's credibility.

I didn't and don't doubt for a minute that Thailand is on top with this Award and that it was actually chosen as such by the ones responsible.

I have no problem with it also but we have to take into consideration that from the total outbound Swedish tourists only a minor percentage goes to Thailand although the number of trips to Thailand (almost 300.000 in 2006) is impressive and it's also the first long-distance country after many other destinations, all of them European.

Finland is on top with 1.5 million an Spain with 950.000 is third whilst Thailand comes 10th. (page 35 of the PDF file* of 48 pages).

Most Swedes have never been to Thailand yet but the ones who have certainly would chose Thailand over any other European country (my personal view that is).

Another advantage for the Swedes is that they fly nonstop in 9-10 hours to BKK or Phuket and fly over Russia which makes the trip shorter than from other European cities who have to fly over mother Earth's belly.

* http://swedentourism.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/tourism-in-sweden-2007.pdf

LaoPo