webfact Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Comedy set in Thailand is top-grossing Chinese film The Nation BANGKOK: -- A low-budget Chinese comedy about Thailand has become the highest-grossing film in the history of Chinese cinema, crossing 1 billion yuan (Bt5 billion) in box-office receipts. "Lost in Thailand", which was released on December 12 and attracted more than 30 million viewers throughout China, has also been viewed as a factor in drawing more Chinese tourists to the Kingdom. Last year, 2.5 million tourists from China visited Thailand. The 30-million-yuan (Bt150 million) comedy, which is expected to be shown in theatres until mid-January, is about a pair of co-workers competing to find their company's largest shareholder in Thailand to secure a contract approval, according to the Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency. The film's success surpassed that of the 3D re-release of James Cameron's "Titanic" in early 2012, which took in 935 million yuan (Bt4.6 billion) and was last year's highest-grossing imported film in China. However, Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" still holds China's box-office record, grossing almost 1.4 billion yuan (Bt7 billion) in 2010. "Lost in Thailand" is filmed mainly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai and is a compilation of stories based on real experiences of expatriates who have chosen Thailand as their home. The movie stars Xu Zheng, Wang Baoqiang and Huang Bo. -- The Nation 2013-01-04 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 Chinese Tourists Lost in Thailand Boosts Hotels: Southeast Asia By Suttinee Yuvejwattana & Supunnabul Suwannakij BANGKOK: -- “Lost in Thailand,” a low-budget Chinese comedy about the travels of two rival businessmen and a pancake-maker through Thailand, may help the Southeast Asian nation attract a record number of tourists this year. More than 30 million people have seen the film since its debut on Dec. 12, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency. China overtook Malaysia last year as Thailand’s biggest source of overseas tourists, and the film’s popularity could help increase total arrivals by 10 percent in 2013, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents. “The movie is helping boost sentiment and is increasing people’s desire to visit,” Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the group’s president, said yesterday in an interview. “The global economic situation isn’t a big issue as we’ve seen the tourism industry grow a lot despite the slowdown. People who love traveling continue to do it anyway.” Thailand is luring Chinese tourists away from Japan after a territorial dispute between Asia’s biggest economies led to a travel boycott last year. The Chinese film follows the Hollywood blockbuster “The Hangover: Part II” from 2011, which was set in Bangkok and generated global interest in the country. [more...] Full story: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-03/chinese-tourists-lost-in-thailand-boosts-hotels-southeast-asia.html -- Bloomberg 2013-01-04 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JurgenG Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 (edited) I saw some parts on TV, it looks quite funny. Westerners who hoped to blackmail the Thai government by "you go our way or we leave" may start packing to free their rooms for Chinese tourists Edited January 4, 2013 by JurgenG 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
submaniac Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Actually from the clips I saw, it looked funny and I wanted to see it. It's a pity as it probably won't play the USA, or Thailand, and a certain Swedish website doesn't have it either. Yup, Western Ex Pat, prepare for more Chinese tourists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pib Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I saw parts on TV this morning also but it did show some stereotyping of Thailand....several of the clips included encounters with kartoys/ladyboys at a temple and on an elevator where the Chinese guys "initially thought" they were real girls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post TheMysteriousMrTesla Posted January 4, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted January 4, 2013 Google E665047794D2DF1477AE6ACDFB9951C9BF6B5D97 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catmac Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Quite telling that the 2 films mentioned are a comedy and The Hangover! Don't know why JurgenG is getting his knickers in a twist, it should be obvious that Mainland China will play an increasing role in Thailand's tourist industry due to a multitude of factors. Never understand why so many Westerners seem to hate and despise their fellows on this Forum. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osiboy Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 (edited) I saw parts on TV this morning also but it did show some stereotyping of Thailand....several of the clips included encounters with kartoys/ladyboys at a temple and on an elevator where the Chinese guys "initially thought" they were real girls. sounds sooooo funny ,.......waa waa waaaaaaaaaaah ,....boyoyoyng , whooooops , boom boom , katching ! Edited January 4, 2013 by osiboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
submaniac Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Google E665047794D2DF1477AE6ACDFB9951C9BF6B5D97 You rock, dude! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai at Heart Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I saw parts on TV this morning also but it did show some stereotyping of Thailand....several of the clips included encounters with kartoys/ladyboys at a temple and on an elevator where the Chinese guys "initially thought" they were real girls. Is it stereotyping if it really happens? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragzilb Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 A really good movie, funny and with a lot of good scenes, a bit like Hangover in Thailand from USA just more true to the thai culture. Well great flick a must see for all Falang too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluespunk Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 (edited) I saw some parts on TV, it looks quite funny. Westerners who hoped to blackmail the Thai government by "you go our way or we leave" may start packing to free their rooms for Chinese tourists . Yes except that when Chinese tourists start getting robbed/cheated/assaulted/murder suicided their govt may well send another gunship to investigate. Edited January 4, 2013 by Bluespunk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrdome Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Best thing that could have happened to the Thai Tourism industry, at least in terms of $$$. You can't buy promotion that's that effective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gl555 Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Google E665047794D2DF1477AE6ACDFB9951C9BF6B5D97 Haha thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocN Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Best thing that could have happened to the Thai Tourism industry, at least in terms of $$$. You can't buy promotion that's that effective. Not really! Chinese buy mostly packaged tours in specificly "chinese" hotels, do not go out much and if, only to "chinese" etablissements...not much in there for the industry, especially as they do not even pay high room rates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pryortuck Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Google E665047794D2DF1477AE6ACDFB9951C9BF6B5D97 Haha thanks! You should check out reviews of Cinapalace before signing up for the service that the above link brings you to. It seem they charge your credit card for membership fees unexpectedly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maidu Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I haven't seen 'Lost in Thailand' but plan to. Incidentally, An earlier movie called 'Lost in America' is one of my top 5 all time funniest comedies. Highly recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noitom Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 A comedy set in Thailand should be a first run entertainment in any country. No actors or directors needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookMan Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I haven't seen 'Lost in Thailand' but plan to. Incidentally, An earlier movie called 'Lost in America' is one of my top 5 all time funniest comedies. Highly recommended. That does have some funny moments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seminomadic Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I saw some parts on TV, it looks quite funny. Westerners who hoped to blackmail the Thai government by "you go our way or we leave" may start packing to free their rooms for Chinese tourists Yump I see Westerners trying to blackmail the Thai government all the time. Guess that little gig is up now, innit Jergen? You really get to laugh in there faces now! Yes you do. Amazing post, dude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SantiSuk Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Best thing that could have happened to the Thai Tourism industry, at least in terms of $$$. You can't buy promotion that's that effective. Not really! Chinese buy mostly packaged tours in specificly "chinese" hotels, do not go out much and if, only to "chinese" etablissements...not much in there for the industry, especially as they do not even pay high room rates. Here comes the "other people (particularly foreigners) aren't as important as me" brigade. Closet racsim. Judging by the quantity of postings on TV from falang that want a room for less than 4,000 baht a month an invasion by the Chinese will probably be a big relief to all those cheap chinese establishments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocN Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Best thing that could have happened to the Thai Tourism industry, at least in terms of $$$. You can't buy promotion that's that effective. Not really! Chinese buy mostly packaged tours in specificly "chinese" hotels, do not go out much and if, only to "chinese" etablissements...not much in there for the industry, especially as they do not even pay high room rates. Here comes the "other people (particularly foreigners) aren't as important as me" brigade. Closet racsim. Judging by the quantity of postings on TV from falang that want a room for less than 4,000 baht a month an invasion by the Chinese will probably be a big relief to all those cheap chinese establishments. Racism? Do you even know, what you are talking about? I don't care were they spend their money- those are just facts! It has nothing to do with "importance"! Maybe get some insight, before you throw around words like "racism"! Different nationalities have different ways of travelling. Chinese, Indians are mostly travelling in groups, with pre- defined programs. Just simple facts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Google E665047794D2DF1477AE6ACDFB9951C9BF6B5D97 Haha thanks! You should check out reviews of Cinapalace before signing up for the service that the above link brings you to. It seem they charge your credit card for membership fees unexpectedly. It's not a link it's a torrent hash, Google returns dozens of sources mostly free, that hash is for a known good copy of said movie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai at Heart Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Best thing that could have happened to the Thai Tourism industry, at least in terms of $$$. You can't buy promotion that's that effective. Not really! Chinese buy mostly packaged tours in specificly "chinese" hotels, do not go out much and if, only to "chinese" etablissements...not much in there for the industry, especially as they do not even pay high room rates. Here comes the "other people (particularly foreigners) aren't as important as me" brigade. Closet racsim. Judging by the quantity of postings on TV from falang that want a room for less than 4,000 baht a month an invasion by the Chinese will probably be a big relief to all those cheap chinese establishments. Racism? Do you even know, what you are talking about? I don't care were they spend their money- those are just facts! It has nothing to do with "importance"! Maybe get some insight, before you throw around words like "racism"! Different nationalities have different ways of travelling. Chinese, Indians are mostly travelling in groups, with pre- defined programs. Just simple facts! It's even good business for cheap plastic cap sales. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookMan Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 I watched Lost In Thailand last night. There are some good laughs in the movie. Fairly standard plot formulation, but enjoyable nonetheless. *The English sub titles were in a small white font and at times were difficult to read Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellodolly Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 I watched Lost In Thailand last night. There are some good laughs in the movie. Fairly standard plot formulation, but enjoyable nonetheless. *The English sub titles were in a small white font and at times were difficult to read that is enough to keep me away. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rene123 Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 Aren't most movies stereotypical? If the movie brings more Chinese to Thailand then that is good for the country. Who cares how it impacts the rest of us? I would agree with Doc that Chinese tourists do seem to travel in groups. Occasionally, they've filled up the hotels I've stayed at. And, they arrive in a big tourist bus and leave in a big bus together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thakkar Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 The usually reliable South China Morning Post, quoting HK Tourism Authority figures recently reported that Chinese tourists are among the highest spending visitors to HK. They tend to economize on hotels and meals, but spend more on shopping and tours. The amount was something like HK$9k+ per night of stay. It's not a zero-sum game so more Chinese tourists doesn't mean fewer other tourists. The different spending habits is good for diversity as it will support a broader range of businesses and trickle down to more Thais at the lower strata of society. The more tolerant attitudes the Chinese witness here and hopefully take back with them will be good for China's continuing development of a more tolerant society as well, so it's all good. T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JurgenG Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 ^ From the same SCMP A third of profits taken in London's West End on Boxing Day came from Chinese tourists, according to reports ... Chinese tourists spent an average of £1,000 each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LawrenceChee Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 I work on a few projects for them ...yes they travel in groups and they are demanding better and better rooms all the time...you can see the LeMeriden and 4 Seasons in Chiang Mai is filled to the brim with them and they are certainly not scrimping on the hotel stays. Anyone who has stayed in a main hotel chain in Shanghai & Beijing would have been wowed by the rooms compared to their cousins in USA....with no disrespect some can be bulldozed to death and no one would miss them. I am currently working on a project for a client based in USA who is expanding their business model in China, their smallest capacity project here in Asia is generating more revenue per available room than their units in USA / Europe / Brazil which led them to ask....why did we take this long to come here ? For those who worked in hospitality projects with the Chinese guests, they are exactly what the business needs now, they spend a lot ( I believed they are No 3 in the world spending charts now per tourist capita) , they come & leave in groups and they dont stay for too long :-) let's welcome them ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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