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The Tourism Authority of Thailand Seeks to Send Message to Travelers: Thailand is Open for Business

NEW YORK, Nov 08, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is seeking to send a strong message to those visitors concerned about planning or taking a trip to the destination in light of the recent flooding in its central provinces: Thailand is open for business.

According to Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Director of TAT's New York office, the Tourism Authority is seeking to correct misperceptions about tourist destinations in Thailand, noting that the flooding has mainly impacted the provinces along the Chao Phraya River, including parts of Bangkok and Ayutthaya, but that the vast majority of Thailand's most popular destinations to the north and south, including Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai have had no flooding whatsoever and remain dry. Other popular tourist destinations in the central region, including Pattaya and Hua Hin, have also not been affected by the floods.

"Unfortunately people see images of flooding on their televisions and assume it is all throughout the destination, but that is not the case," said Wanapinyosak. "Even in Bangkok itself, visitors will find that the heart of the city where the majority of tourists are accommodated is dry."

International Airport, Rail Lines, Hotels and Attractions Open as Usual for Visitors

Wanapinyosak noted that hotels, shops and the majority of tourist attractions in Bangkok have remained open and unaffected, as has Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main gateway to Thailand, which has considerable flood protection measures in place. The temporary closure due to flooding of Don Mueang Airport, the old international airport which now mainly serves domestic flights within Thailand, also caused some confusion amongst travelers, according to Wanapinyosak. However, she noted that Don Mueang's closure does not impact arriving or departing international visitors at all and the two domestic airlines operating from that airport have temporarily switched their operations to Suvarnabhumi Airport with flights still being accommodated.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and inter-provincial bus services are operating as per usual in areas that are not affected by the floods. Inter-provincial buses from Bangkok to southern provinces are leaving from a temporary station with shuttle services to and from the Southern Bus terminal, also known as Sai Tai Mai. Train services to northeastern Thailand are operating as per normal. Train services to the northern provinces are operating between Hua Lamphong station in central Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Trains to the north are being rerouted around flooded areas.

"We understand it is natural for people to be concerned when they see or hear about flooding," said Wanapinyosak. "It is very important, however, that they have the complete picture and can rest assured that they can plan their trip and know that they will have a world-class experience when they arrive."

Travelers looking to escape the quickly approaching winter weather in the U.S. can enjoy sun and relaxation along some of the world's most exotic beaches in Phuket, Ko Samui and Krabi. Additionally, for an experience other than sea and sand, travelers can head north to locales such as Chiang Mai, which offers many four and five-star hotels, mountain trekking, elephant riding, great restaurants and shopping.

Wanapinyosak noted that Thailand is gearing up for Loy Krathong, one of the destination's most popular events for visitors. This ancient tradition, celebrated since the Sukhothai Era, will still take place between this week in locations throughout Thailand, including Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Hat Yai and Surat Thani.

"We are excited for a wonderful festival this week and look forward to having beautiful weather and lots for our visitors to see and do in the weeks and months ahead," said Wanapinyosak. "We're coming into the prime visitors' season and it would be a shame for people to miss out due to misperceptions about conditions. We hope our loyal visitors as well as those wanting to experience Thailand for the first time will come and enjoy our amazing destination."

For more information and current updates on the flooding situation, travelers can visit www.thailandtourismupdate.com . For more information on destinations and activities throughout Thailand, visit www.tourismthailand.org/us .

Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, "Amazing Thailand" is one of Southeast Asia's premier travel destinations and home to well-known tourist locations including the capital city of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Samui and Pattaya. Known as the "land of smiles," Thailand features some of the world's finest luxury hotels and resorts, and offers visitors a rich tapestry of exotic architecture, culture, cuisine, traditions and exciting adventures. For more information on Thailand, visit www.tourismthailand.org/us .

Media can also visit TAT's additional communication channels: TAT MediaSpot, TAT News Room and TAT Facebook. For client press releases and downloadable photography, media may access www.louhammond.com . Media can also visit http://www.facebook.com/louhammondpr or follow on Twitter @LouHammondPR for the latest client news.

SOURCE: Tourism Authority of Thailand

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-tourism-authority-of-thailand-seeks-to-send-message-to-travelers-thailand-is-open-for-business-2011-11-07

-- marketwatch.com 20111108

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Posted

It isn't bad enough that 90% of the arrivals have to go through SVB which is a cess pit of corruption, but that it may well go under water in the next few weeks also.

We are open for business, but you can't get here.

Posted

Yeah, we need a lot more tourists here right now in the middle of this mess. We don't know where it will flood or how badly, we have no idea how to meet the current needs of those in the midst of a crisis, and we want to throw a bunch more foreigners to the dogs to make a little bit of cash. LOL.

Posted (edited)
Travelers looking to escape the quickly approaching winter weather in the U.S. can enjoy sun and relaxation along some of the world's most exotic beaches in Phuket, Ko Samui and Krabi. Additionally, for an experience other than sea and sand, travelers can head north to locales such as Chiang Mai, which offers many four and five-star hotels, mountain trekking, elephant riding, great restaurants and shopping.

I just read in another English language newspaper that tourists in Phuket were beginning to feel the pinch in that certain supplies are already running out there. They were writing about beer (Singha beer and Heinekin) .

I know tourists don't come to Thailand to drink beer, they come to see temples and other sights but surely the fact that some "basic commodities" are running dry will affect tourism.

Edited by petedk
Posted

"...the vast majority of Thailand's most popular destinations to the north and south, including Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai have had no flooding whatsoever and remain dry. "

People in Chiang Mai will appreciate the "have had no flooding" !

Posted

"...the vast majority of Thailand's most popular destinations to the north and south, including Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai have had no flooding whatsoever and remain dry. "

People in Chiang Mai will appreciate the "have had no flooding" !

More porkies from T.A.T. It would be nice if they could just tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but.

http://www.thaitrave...i-29-september/

Posted

I think he has to say stuff like this to make it appear that he is doing something

Surely the hotel association and others in the tourism industry are demanding

he make these comments

but who in their right mind would book a holiday in Thailand

Fly 10-20 hours to get hear only to find out Bkk is closed, there are no supplies

and when you go to leave, the airport is closed due to floods.

Posted

The lights are on but no one is home. Go to any 7-11, and they have a notice apologising for the lack of stock due to the current crisis. It ain't rocket science.

Posted

Being in Chiang mai things are really tuff at the moment. Went to Starbucks and cannot get Lemon Ice Tea. I asked the lady, go to market and buy some limes, she says cannot our product slow shipping. But to the naysayers get over it boys Chiang Mai is fine and the locals donot even mention the flood from Sept.

Passed thru Swampy last week and was looking for some corruption and none present even the taxi driver used the meter with out encouragement man was I disappointed.

Posted

This news release from TAT NY is a preposterous example of mendacity. They have hired a NY pr firm to put something out on the BusinessWire. What deceptive hustling. I guess they are down to more explicit and obvious distortions of the truth rather than relying on the decades old tactic of selling the friendly culture, unwavering smiles, and the "meant to please attitudes." Now it's dry and in full operation. This place and that place have had absolutely no floods, and are dry! TAT can assure us. Thisnews release is a very subtle coded message for the "entertainment" traveler. TAT knows who keeps the economy of Bangkok going. Hats off to the girls, the real backbone of the black Thai economy of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket, the fun places for mom and dad and all the kids.

Posted

Why are people going to moan at TAT doing its job whihc is to promote Thailand. Admittedly things are difficult right now, but what do people want? TAT to say hey dont come to Thailand it is screwed? Or to highlight the reporters without borders campaign? The job of TAT is to try and promote tourism whatever, and they arent being unethical by saying stay in flooded Rangsit as it is dry or something...

Posted

The TAT will be screwed when the south get their annual flooding soon.

We left Hat Yai last wednesday, on our way back from Penang. We had left the pickup at my SIL's. They are expecting it, she even showed me where the water reached last year at around 4m.

Posted

"...the vast majority of Thailand's most popular destinations to the north and south, including Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai have had no flooding whatsoever and remain dry. "

People in Chiang Mai will appreciate the "have had no flooding" !

More porkies from T.A.T. It would be nice if they could just tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but.

http://www.thaitrave...i-29-september/

Perhaps you should try the whole truth and nothing but.

You are posting two week old pictures and trying to make it look like a current thing.

Many people are new to Thailand and do not understand that the Thai's can not communicate in English any better than they can in Thai. To them there is no flood now and that is what they mean Unfortunately there are those who have nothing good to say about Thai's and are ready to criticize them for it.

You know the people I mean just come here for the women and booze or they can't afford to live where they came from.

Posted

Why are people going to moan at TAT doing its job whihc is to promote Thailand. Admittedly things are difficult right now, but what do people want? TAT to say hey dont come to Thailand it is screwed? Or to highlight the reporters without borders campaign? The job of TAT is to try and promote tourism whatever, and they arent being unethical by saying stay in flooded Rangsit as it is dry or something...

It could also be described as whistling past the graveyard.

Posted

Chiang Mai is pretty much normal and most things are available. I hear the same about Chiang Rai and Pai. I can not vouch for any place else

had slightly different experience, it took 3 or 4 service stations before I could get diesel last week and some non essentials were also hard to come by in the shops but nothing too serious. I hope Loy Krathong is a success for ChiangMai this year but a do think that the general view about Thailand at the moment is one of serious disaster area not vacation.

Posted

The Nation reported today as stated by TAT - (note -" only four dry destinations")

Tourism Authority of Thailand is moving ahead with its planned Loy Krathong festival celebration, but its supports will be limited to only four dry destinations - Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Samut Songkhram and Tak. No TAT events in Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Suphan Buri this year as they remain inundated by severe flooding.

Posted :2011-11-07 19:33:00

Posted

"...the vast majority of Thailand's most popular destinations to the north and south, including Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai have had no flooding whatsoever and remain dry. "

People in Chiang Mai will appreciate the "have had no flooding" !

More porkies from T.A.T. It would be nice if they could just tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but.

http://www.thaitrave...i-29-september/

Perhaps you should try the whole truth and nothing but.

You are posting two week old pictures and trying to make it look like a current thing.

Many people are new to Thailand and do not understand that the Thai's can not communicate in English any better than they can in Thai. To them there is no flood now and that is what they mean Unfortunately there are those who have nothing good to say about Thai's and are ready to criticize them for it.

You know the people I mean just come here for the women and booze or they can't afford to live where they came from.

I think you missed my point. T.A.T. said C.M., C.Rai & Sukothai have had no flooding whatsoever.

The "2 week " old pictures are irrelevant, what is relevant is that those places were flooded and have now recovered.

No need for T.A.T to lie, just say "all is well now in those places and tourists are welcome". Plus T.A.T. should be able to communicate in clear English, since they have well educated staff, I assume.:jap:

Posted

Speaking for hua Hin the town is full of people fleeing BKK, traffic is horrendous, stores half empty of products and TAT think we should encourage farang tourist to come here ???? they really are a joke LOL land of miricles.

Posted

Why are people going to moan at TAT doing its job whihc is to promote Thailand. Admittedly things are difficult right now, but what do people want? TAT to say hey dont come to Thailand it is screwed? Or to highlight the reporters without borders campaign? The job of TAT is to try and promote tourism whatever, and they arent being unethical by saying stay in flooded Rangsit as it is dry or something...

Get real, they are a bunch of clowns.

Posted

Speaking for hua Hin the town is full of people fleeing BKK, traffic is horrendous, stores half empty of products and TAT think we should encourage farang tourist to come here ???? they really are a joke LOL land of miricles.

The same in Pattaya.

Posted (edited)
I just read in another English language newspaper that tourists in Phuket were beginning to feel the pinch in that certain supplies are already running out there. They were writing about beer (Singha beer and Heinekin) .

I know tourists don't come to Thailand to drink beer, they come to see temples and other sights but surely the fact that some "basic commodities" are running dry will affect tourism.

Most basic commodities are still in most stores but not 100% of the time, deliveries are not predictable and it is sometimes necessary to visit a few stores to get what you want.

As for beer. It is still available but a case of Singha is now costing 1200 Baht and Heinekin even more. Bar owners will have no choice but to pass these increases on to their customers.

Edited by Soupdragon
Posted

Chiang Mai is pretty much normal and most things are available. I hear the same about Chiang Rai and Pai. I can not vouch for any place else

Anybody know how international mail has been affected? I'm in Chiang Mai but I assume all overseas mail comes through Bangkok.

Posted

It isn't bad enough that 90% of the arrivals have to go through SVB which is a cess pit of corruption, but that it may well go under water in the next few weeks also.

We are open for business, but you can't get here.

"Even in Bangkok itself, visitors will find that the heart of the city where the majority of tourists are accommodated is dry."

How many of them are wet tourists then?.........jap.gif

Posted

Yeah, we need a lot more tourists here right now in the middle of this mess. We don't know where it will flood or how badly, we have no idea how to meet the current needs of those in the midst of a crisis, and we want to throw a bunch more foreigners to the dogs to make a little bit of cash. LOL.

Of course Thailand needs the tourists to keep coming. Why do you wish to deprive people in non-flood areas of the chance to make a living. People like you are unbelievable. Do you want teh whole country shut down and everyone out of work? Life is normal in most of Thailand and in central Bangkok.

Posted

Chiang Mai is pretty much normal and most things are available. I hear the same about Chiang Rai and Pai. I can not vouch for any place else

Anybody know how international mail has been affected? I'm in Chiang Mai but I assume all overseas mail comes through Bangkok.

I'm in Bangkok and all my international mail has arrived on time.

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