Baht Rise A Threat To Tourism: Kittiratt

[belg]

what about websites that would tell the truth about thailand? phuket and there lovely overpricing tuk tuk , jetski maffia ? other ripp-offs ...

nice to see that they seem to have a good fortune teller that they can already see: more tourists, spending moren and staying longer

world crisis ??? never heard of it, surely it can not affect thailand

want some increase in revenue thailand? give us some basic rights... as ... land of rai in our name where we can build a house in our name, connected to a 10 -20 year exemption if you buy a house

[starkey_rich]

It would be interesting to see the tourist figures over the last 5yrs to see if he is right to worry. But I'm sure I read recently that the TAT announced record figures for last year and if so he has nothing to worry about! Five years ago one pound got you about 73-74 baht compared to 46 today and one Euro got about 55 compared to 39 today. People will still come regardless.

but you can buy currency at a cheaper rate now...Then cut ones losses a tad and not return... Tourists are always looking for better package deals and south east asia has a host of other locations...Personally I much prefer Indonesia...and 9600 Rup to the dollar makes my cost of living as a resident a lot easier..

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Can I give you a ride to the airport. You probably can't afford a taxi.

What on?

Your Honda Wave.

[Thai at Heart]

Interesting...

Many posters have lectured me that Tourisim is an insignificant portion of the Thai GDP. (Only 7%, peanuts, Thais don't need tourists, etc., etc.)

However, the Thais seem to feel it is significant.

What do the na sayers say now?

PS- I vote that tourisim is indeed one of several pillars of the Thai economy and tour related employment is a big segment of the employeed

Well on the basis that there is an enormous tract of the country in farming, some significant cities, some significant industrial areas, I would suggest that without tourism, huge tracts of the coastline would be undeveloped. One could say that may be a nice thing, but the reality is, what would Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, or other resorts be if they simply disappeared? Dirt roads, and people sitting under wooden huts with fishing nets. Hardly progress I would suggest.

As for the 7%, whilst it is quite easy to measure the value of manufactured exports since these businesses have an invoicing trail, the value of tourism is probably understated because it is a very cash orientated business in Thailand. I don't know how accurately they measure it, but if someone has to buy pool cleaning chemicals for the swimming pool, or service the air conditioners, is this calculated into "tourism". Safe to say that the resorts are thriving independent businesses in the themselves and feed millions. This also then comes around to the fact that a large percentage of companies pay and report their taxes in Bangkok as opposed to where the costs are incurred, which skews the value of Bangkok versus the rest of the country.

It's all very well and good to say that tourism is only 7%, but in some parts of the country, it makes up a far greater percentage, so it is regionally very very important. Saying that reducing arrivals to Las Vegas aren't significant to the whole of the USA is very easy, unless you make your living in Las Vegas.

I've heard that about 12% of all the employment is in tourism, so it is hardly to be sniffed at.

I would say that crumbling and overwhelmed infrastructure in the resorts is a far greater risk to tourism in the long run. If the word really got around about how filthy the beaches are and how bad the water quality is, people will look elsewhere

Edited February 1, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[atyclb]

snipped

Generally they're rude, ignorant, hate cueing, wander aimlessly in the road as if they're in Mumbai, negotiate group sex for 500 baht, share a bottle of beer and bring nothing with them. If the baht strengthened substantially agaist the Ruppee or Rouble I wouldn't shed a single tear...

So are you saying they are not the highest quality sex tourists ? Why not look on the optimistic side, if the market were to get flooded and inundated with Indians, the prices would be driven down across the board.

[Rinrada]

"One can't get anything for less than 1 Pound in UK which seems to be the smallest unit of currency in UK.

Thailand doesn't need the cheap tourists that can't afford to spend 40 Baht for a meal. Better to focus on more wealthy tourists."

Right, cause only the wealthy deserve a vacation. You people are such tools.

You think having money makes you a better person or tourist? Ha,ha. You obviously don't know many rich people, they are the cheapest and rudest I know. Tools.

The 99 p shops are now expanding into Europe.........

Anyway on subject of tourist warnings...

if TOT is serious about wanting tourists...OK Bog standard or quality maybe its about time they suggested to those nice little Thai banks that it would be for the good of the country if they drop the " In-coming Tourist charity contribution" of 150Bt when dad wants to take out a tenner for the kids KFC.

The way things are going that "roi ha sip" with be the equiv.= 4 Quid....ouch.(we know about Aeon etc...but they wont)

The Boggins family are going to be ripped off all through their 2 weeks in paradise anyway so why not let them start ...usually at the airport... feeling good on the first day at least.........however....recon it will be a case of... mai chai..and .pom hoe me dee...jao...but elephants can fly....

[stoffel45]

It would be interesting to see the tourist figures over the last 5yrs to see if he is right to worry. But I'm sure I read recently that the TAT announced record figures for last year and if so he has nothing to worry about! Five years ago one pound got you about 73-74 baht compared to 46 today and one Euro got about 55 compared to 39 today. People will still come regardless.

I am not certain that the "tourist figures" report "tourists" at all. Nor can I be certain that they are accurate.

My family have visited Thailand three times a year for nearly 8 years. Now due to the mismanaged euro having fallen catastrophically (which means higher airfares) and the high baht - we can only afford ONE visit - for about 35- 40 days. That's down from a previous annual average of 70+ days.

It is also clear that inflation has raised prices in hotels and restaurants - we reckon- +-10%. Here in Belgium the "Official Rate of Inflation" is around 2% - but that is a political "adjustment". To the people who live here it is about 12-15%.

I think all Governments - but especially in the EU - "adjust - massage -" things like Tourist figures or Inflation or GDP. It is the way of the political animal.

Comparing Thailand for a family holiday - to say the Mediterranean countries (euro) - though the fares are higher to get to Bangkok - the overall cost is about 60% of a comparable holiday on EU shores. Plus - and it is a BIG plus - Thailand is more fun, MUCH nicer people and it is a LOT safer.

[TommoPhysicist]

Frankly speaking I'll be glad to see the THB take a bit of a hit on tourist numbers. I believe visitors with a decent level of income will continue to come even if their currencies dropped 10% against the baht. What I don't like and I don't think they bring much to the local economy is the large coach parties of Indians, Chinese and Russians on package tours who seemingly don't have a proverbial pot top p... in. You know the ones I mean, they can be seen ambling around like ducklings with hotel towels thrown around their necks, or standing outside 7-11 with a bottle of Chang in hand. They seem to be ghosted in by coach, taken to business where a kickback is paid and then ghosted out again never to be seen spending any money in the local bars or restaurants. I recently heard there are Russians arriving on package tours from Eastern Russia and paying 400 Euro for a two week holiday 'All In'!. By removing this element of tourism, it may encourage the better quality of tourists to reappear, since their numbers have declined as these low end travellers have descended upon Thailand's shores. Generally they're rude, ignorant, hate cueing, wander aimlessly in the road as if they're in Mumbai, negotiate group sex for 500 baht, share a bottle of beer and bring nothing with them. If the baht strengthened substantially agaist the Ruppee or Rouble I wouldn't shed a single tear...

What a moronic, bigoted post.

It reeks of bitterness over what you may perceive as the systematic erosion of your "entitlement" as a Caucasian Westerner to visit/live in Thailand by the influx of people from countries that have recently benefited from greater economic power.

<deleted> should the TAT do? Restrict those who don't drive a Mercedes at home or, perhaps, sell vouchers at the airport that can only be redeemed at higher-end bars and restaurants? Maybe they should means-test Indians and Russians as the plane approaches Swampy?

Perhaps you should pay mind to the huge influx of Russians who bring serious amounts of money to the residential property market in places like Pattaya. Many of the businesses in Pattaya have signs outside their premises written in Thai, English and Russian in recognition of the contribution they make to the local economy.

In my experience, people who bitch about the new dynamic in Thailand's tourism are used to seeing this country as one of the last remaining vestiges of a world where the white man's dollar, pound or euro still carries weight. Fortunately, though, those currencies are and will continue to be in the shitter for the foreseeable future and the Brits, Yanks and Europeans I've seen constantly poncing drinks and cigarettes in the bars and clubs in order to preserve funds for female companionship at the end of an evening will disappear too.

Russians pay 400Euro for a holiday in Pattaya (inc flights).

Are any other western people getting it cheaper than that?

Serious amounts of money? Are you sure?

[Maseratimartin]

Cambodia, Burma and Vietnam all require paid for visa's, and are full on communist or in Cambodia's case a banana republic.

Thailand was in the right place at the right time during the boom years of the late 90s/00s, it'll take some catching up for those other nations you mention.

Carefull carefull....example Vietnam is coming very strong!

Thailand has dirty waters and can never compare to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, ...

(Phuket area the only place with better sea... is already a no go...just too much trouble)

It is like with a rubber band....you can stretch it...and stretch it....till it breaks!

[bunuel]

The issue here is sustainable tourism. Nowadays, most countries have seen the problems created by mass tourism, which outweigh any potential benefits. Mass tourism leaves a heavy ecological and social footprint, using up all the local water and electricity, and creating friction with locals, who may feel they have been subjected to an alient invasion. The island of Jamaica is a perfect example. The once-beautiful beach of Negril is now dominated by all-inclusive high rises owned by Superclubs and Sandals, and the only way any money trickles down to the local economy is through drug deals, prostitution, and robbery, As a result, other Caribbean islands like Tobago and Anguilla have banned all-inclusives, and are careful to limit construction. As they say in the Caribbean, you don't want to kill the fatted calf .

In the case of Thailand, zones for mass tourism need to be created , with Cancun in Mexico as the classic model. Mass tourism in areas which cannot handle the traffic will lead to problems which will offset any short term profit for hotel owners. Tourism numbers can be very deceptive , to say the least. Qualtiy, and not quantity , is a better yardstick for the destination.

[Lancelot]

Interesting...

Many posters have lectured me that Tourisim is an insignificant portion of the Thai GDP. (Only 7%, peanuts, Thais don't need tourists, etc., etc.)

However, the Thais seem to feel it is significant.

What do the na sayers say now?

PS- I vote that tourisim is indeed one of several pillars of the Thai economy and tour related employment is a big segment of the employeed

It may only account for 7% of the economy but it affects at least 29% of the work force.

My opinion only.

I'm inclined to agree.

I don't know what the exact percentage of Thai jobs are linked to tourisim employment, but (tourisim) punches above its weight in terms of jobs.

The Thais shift in to Damage Control mode pronto when there is a real or perceived threat to the precious tourisim cash stream

Edited February 1, 2013 by Lancelot

[ignis]

My family have visited Thailand three times a year for nearly 8 years. Now due to the mismanaged euro having fallen catastrophically (which means higher airfares) and the high baht - we can only afford ONE visit - for about 35- 40 days. That's down from a previous annual average of 70+ days.

Yep my Cousin, husband and 2 boys with there wives were coming in March, but the exchange rate + for 6 people makes Thailand very expensive. have made them change there plan, They booked yesterday to go again to Cuba......... she said we will see for 2014..

Guess must be other saying the same, of course for single people makes little difference as it is only X 1

[Thailand1977]

Cambodia, Burma and Vietnam all require paid for visa's, and are full on communist or in Cambodia's case a banana republic.

Thailand was in the right place at the right time during the boom years of the late 90s/00s, it'll take some catching up for those other nations you mention.

Carefull carefull....example Vietnam is coming very strong!

Thailand has dirty waters and can never compare to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, ...

(Phuket area the only place with better sea... is already a no go...just too much trouble)

It is like with a rubber band....you can stretch it...and stretch it....till it breaks!

OK i wish i never had to return to Thailand but unfortunately my child is half Thai, so im not trying to be biased.

Thailand has beat Malaysia hands down in the tourism game .... on the basis its fun, Indonesia is several more hours on the plane from Europe and requires stopovers, and Bali sucks.

But unless these countries get airlines flying direct at cheap prices and get rid of their need for a paid visa then they will only be a niche market.

Thailand was cheap when Spain, Greece and other mass tourist markets got expensive and was easily accessible at a time when western banks were giving out money they never had and governments were spending vast sums on wages they never had.

It'll take a decade or more for those other countries to catch up imho.

Edited February 1, 2013 by Thailand1977

[Sandman77]

Euro go up at same level then the Thb, I got same exchange rate then one year ago, the Thb goes in ballance up with the euro!

Also the airplane tickets are not higher, one month before my colleague come also to thai go and back from munic for 500€!

Maximum 600 up 650 depends super last minute or not

The big bosses of investment can controll the currency!go up or down

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[ableguy]

Since when did anyone at TOT ever say anything worth a dam_n ??????

[HardenedSoul]

What a moronic, bigoted post.

It reeks of bitterness over what you may perceive as the systematic erosion of your "entitlement" as a Caucasian Westerner to visit/live in Thailand by the influx of people from countries that have recently benefited from greater economic power.

<deleted> should the TAT do? Restrict those who don't drive a Mercedes at home or, perhaps, sell vouchers at the airport that can only be redeemed at higher-end bars and restaurants? Maybe they should means-test Indians and Russians as the plane approaches Swampy?

Perhaps you should pay mind to the huge influx of Russians who bring serious amounts of money to the residential property market in places like Pattaya. Many of the businesses in Pattaya have signs outside their premises written in Thai, English and Russian in recognition of the contribution they make to the local economy.

In my experience, people who bitch about the new dynamic in Thailand's tourism are used to seeing this country as one of the last remaining vestiges of a world where the white man's dollar, pound or euro still carries weight. Fortunately, though, those currencies are and will continue to be in the shitter for the foreseeable future and the Brits, Yanks and Europeans I've seen constantly poncing drinks and cigarettes in the bars and clubs in order to preserve funds for female companionship at the end of an evening will disappear too.

Russians pay 400Euro for a holiday in Pattaya (inc flights).

Are any other western people getting it cheaper than that?

Serious amounts of money? Are you sure?

That Russians pay 400 euro for a package holiday doesn't prove anything. There are Brits paying £500 for one and there are some paying £1000 - it all depends on the market's ability to support prices in a particular country.

As for serious amounts of Russian money flowing into Pattaya's property market, it's a well-lnown fact that a lot of Sin City condos are finding their way into Ivan's hands these days.

Those signs in Russian outside many of Pattaya's bars, clubs and restaurants suggests that the Thais consider them enough of a lucrative demographic.Sure you won't find many in French, Spanish or Portuguese.

[Jim walker]

I think most tourists don’t honestly care about the Baht rate same as us residents we don’t honestly really care about the costs or how much potatoes you can get for your $ , £ . euro etc.’ I have never booked a holiday using a FX rate chart. If you think your dinner was too expensive in one restaurant there are always more nice restaurants hotels to try for a bargain dinner, stop being such a grip and get your money spent now, because how are you going to spend your money once you are dead?

[I Like Thai]

If the baht appreciates more, the tourism sector will be in danger. Clearly, foreign tourists will feel that they get less value from the currency they spent when compared to the previous day. He insisted on helping the baht maintain a suitable exchange rate

The private sector hoped an increase in room rate would help boost their revenue. By doing so, they have looked for ways to control an imbalance in demand and supply in some areas. Especially unlicensed operators, they have adopted pricing wars to attract tourists, leading to the real rate dropping. They said if its rate increases 5 per cent that means its revenue would rise by Bt300 billion.

Thai economics in action. It makes perfect sense.

[TommoPhysicist]

Those signs in Russian outside many of Pattaya's bars, clubs and restaurants suggests that the Thais consider them enough of a lucrative demographic.Sure you won't find many in French, Spanish or Portuguese.

The French, Spanish and Portuguese don't have so much money to launder.

Anyway if you can find a package tour from the UK to Thailand for 400E or less, please post a link.

(nice of you try to alter the price from 400E to 500UKP = 600E)

[HardenedSoul]

Those signs in Russian outside many of Pattaya's bars, clubs and restaurants suggests that the Thais consider them enough of a lucrative demographic.Sure you won't find many in French, Spanish or Portuguese.

The French, Spanish and Portuguese don't have so much money to launder.

Anyway if you can find a package tour from the UK to Thailand for 400E or less, please post a link.

(nice of you try to alter the price from 400E to 500UKP = 600E)

Whatever.

I wasn't trying to alter anything. I think you'll find that Thailand is a more popular destination among Brits than it is among Russians. With that in mind, and the lower relative incomes in Russia, tour operators targeting them have to shave margins to a greater extent than their UK counterparts. Simple supply and demand, mate . . . or don't you get that?

[TommoPhysicist]

I wasn't trying to alter anything. I think you'll find that Thailand is a more popular destination among Brits than it is among Russians. With that in mind, and the lower relative incomes in Russia, tour operators targeting them have to shave margins to a greater extent than their UK counterparts. Simple supply and demand, mate . . . or don't you get that?

But earlier you said, Russians rich, Brits poor ........... so by your latest reasoning the Brits should be getting the better deals. You can't have it both ways, but maybe you don't get that.

Edited February 1, 2013 by TommoPhysicist

[I Like Thai]

Those signs in Russian outside many of Pattaya's bars, clubs and restaurants suggests that the Thais consider them enough of a lucrative demographic.Sure you won't find many in French, Spanish or Portuguese.

The French, Spanish and Portuguese don't have so much money to launder.

Anyway if you can find a package tour from the UK to Thailand for 400E or less, please post a link.

(nice of you try to alter the price from 400E to 500UKP = 600E)

Whatever.

I wasn't trying to alter anything. I think you'll find that Thailand is a more popular destination among Brits than it is among Russians. With that in mind, and the lower relative incomes in Russia, tour operators targeting them have to shave margins to a greater extent than their UK counterparts. Simple supply and demand, mate . . . or don't you get that?

Don't forget that Russia is closer to Thailand than the UK is. I was talking to a Russian last year and he was even on the same timeline in Thailand as at home in Russia. He only had a 4 or 5 hour flight. Maybe short flights like these can provide cheap package tours.

[TommoPhysicist]

Don't forget that Russia is closer to Thailand than the UK is. I was talking to a Russian last year and he was even on the same timeline in Thailand as at home in Russia. He only had a 4 or 5 hour flight. Maybe short flights like these can provide cheap package tours.

Russia is a big place ..... some nearer, some further.

[HardenedSoul]

I wasn't trying to alter anything. I think you'll find that Thailand is a more popular destination among Brits than it is among Russians. With that in mind, and the lower relative incomes in Russia, tour operators targeting them have to shave margins to a greater extent than their UK counterparts. Simple supply and demand, mate . . . or don't you get that?

But earlier you said, Russians rich, Brits poor ........... so by your latest reasoning the Brits should be getting the better deals. You can't have it both ways, but maybe you don't get that.

That's not what I said at all and you know it.

The Brits don't get better deals because more of them come here on holiday than Russians. There's a bigger market for package holidays to Thailand in the UK.

Does that simplify it enough for you?

[davejones]

There are reasonably priced flights to Cambodia and Vietnam. Burma's tourism is increasing rapidly. It probably wont be too long before Indonesia catches on although I guess the Moslem influence will hold them and Malaysia back. So watch out Thailand. People think they can charge London prices for taxis etc. Yesterday a taxi driver sitting doing nothing wanted 70 baht to drive 600 metres. I refused to buy a standard pizza in a standard restaurant up the road for 375 baht when I can get cheaper in London. Fuel costs, wages, local rents are a fraction of the cost in Europe but greed is taking over. I went into Pattaya to buy a wireless access point. After a lot of searching the cheapest was about 1500 baht. Look on uk ebay for new wireless access points and the most expensive is about £23. But of course Thailand still has a magic that separates it from others but the world is getting smaller and money is getting tighter. For the cost of an economy return flight to bangkok I had a 2 centre all inclusive holiday last september to Egypt . Blue sky every day and no worry about costs.

I think the problem is that you are shopping in tourist areas. London's tourist areas are mega expensive. 250 baht for a small bottle of heineken for example. Shop away from the tourist areas, and you will find plenty of cheap stuff. Tourist areas in all countries are expensive compared to the non-tourist areas. I don't see anything wrong with a taxi driver wanting to charge 70 baht for a short journey, because I believe in free trade. I wouldn't pay it, but some people will. That's how a free market works. It may surprise you, but for a tourist coming from the UK, 70 baht is so cheap that they wouldn't even think about it. In London, it used to cost me about 350 baht for a taxi journey that took me 20 mins to walk. So I either walked or got the bus. But here it's incredibly cheap compared to London. Obviously there are expensive places, but they can very easily be avoided. But people are free to offer their goods and services for whatever they like. There are much worse rip-offs in the UK, and mostly from big companies.

[TommoPhysicist]

I wasn't trying to alter anything. I think you'll find that Thailand is a more popular destination among Brits than it is among Russians. With that in mind, and the lower relative incomes in Russia, tour operators targeting them have to shave margins to a greater extent than their UK counterparts. Simple supply and demand, mate . . . or don't you get that?

But earlier you said, Russians rich, Brits poor ........... so by your latest reasoning the Brits should be getting the better deals. You can't have it both ways, but maybe you don't get that.

That's not what I said at all and you know it.

The Brits don't get better deals because more of them come here on holiday than Russians. There's a bigger market for package holidays to Thailand in the UK.

Does that simplify it enough for you?

Bigger market = lower unit costs.

Something called economy of scale.

Sorry forgot that works backward in your inverted world.

[HardenedSoul]

Don't forget that Russia is closer to Thailand than the UK is. I was talking to a Russian last year and he was even on the same timeline in Thailand as at home in Russia. He only had a 4 or 5 hour flight. Maybe short flights like these can provide cheap package tours.

Russia is a big place ..... some nearer, some further.

Er . . . but all points are nearer than Britain

[HardenedSoul]

I wasn't trying to alter anything. I think you'll find that Thailand is a more popular destination among Brits than it is among Russians. With that in mind, and the lower relative incomes in Russia, tour operators targeting them have to shave margins to a greater extent than their UK counterparts. Simple supply and demand, mate . . . or don't you get that?

But earlier you said, Russians rich, Brits poor ........... so by your latest reasoning the Brits should be getting the better deals. You can't have it both ways, but maybe you don't get that.

That's not what I said at all and you know it.

The Brits don't get better deals because more of them come here on holiday than Russians. There's a bigger market for package holidays to Thailand in the UK.

Does that simplify it enough for you?

Bigger market = lower unit costs.

Something called economy of scale.

Sorry forgot that works backward in your inverted world.

No that's how it works in theory but in rip-off Britain, we seem to be willing to pay more. Whether that's by virtue of taxes and bolt-ons is another matter entirely.

[TommoPhysicist]

Don't forget that Russia is closer to Thailand than the UK is. I was talking to a Russian last year and he was even on the same timeline in Thailand as at home in Russia. He only had a 4 or 5 hour flight. Maybe short flights like these can provide cheap package tours.

Russia is a big place ..... some nearer, some further.

Er . . . but all points are nearer than Britain

Including that little bit way up north next to Finland, doesn't look like it on my map

Hmmmmm

Murmansk to Bangkok = 7,200 miles

London to Bangkok = 8,000 miles

OK, you win, you got me!

Edited February 1, 2013 by TommoPhysicist

[Rosco911]

Cheap food's the clincher. Ever smaller servings of food at higher prices seems to be the order of the day. Add a higher baht to this and I reckon a lot of tourists might consider not returning.

Perhaps the cheap whining Brits can form a chorus and sing for their supper.

Guess your anti Brit.

[simoncoll7]

after my 4th or so visit to the phillipines and spending 5 or so years in thailand as well as a bit of time in cambodia and laos even with a stronger yen expats shouldnt complain ,even with its fakeness thailand is the best choice overall