Phuket Top Choice For Thai Travelers

[webfact]

Phuket top choice for Thai travelers

BANGKOK, 15 February 2013 (NNT) – A recent poll has indicated that the southern province of Phuket is the most popular destination for Thai tourists; while 80% of the Thai travelers prefer travelling domestically to going abroad.

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce conducted a poll on tourism destination among 1,200 Thai respondents during February 4-8.

According to UTCC’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF) Director Dr. Thanawat Polvichai, the poll has indicated that 40% of Thai tourists see Thailand as the best tourism destination, while 80% of the respondents would prefer travelling in Thailand to going overseas.

If given a choice between traveling abroad and domestically that cost about the same amount of money, 90% of the respondents said they would visit Phuket. For overseas destinations, China is the number-one choice, followed by Vietnam and Singapore, Dr Thanawat said

In the meantime, around 80% of the respondents said they would travel to provinces that are not their hometown.

The director concluded that most see that they get more for their money traveling in Thailand than going abroad.

-- NNT 2013-02-15

[Locationthailand]

Leave Phuket to the Thai's - it's a sh*thole the same as Pattaya.

[blackthorn2005]

They come to laugh at all the gullible tourists being beaten up an ripped off, more entertaining than Disneyland!

[mithunonthenet]

It's odd the ysay that and yet I barely come across many Thai tourists while going on several day tours across Phuket. Where do they hang out and what do Thai tourists do when out and about in Phuket?

[keemapoot]

Thais do not travel to Phuket except to do business or work. They rightly think it's too expensive, don't care for the beaches as they don't like dark skin, and moreover are afraid of the south due to Muslims. 90% said they would pick Phuket over a foreign destination, not that they do pick it. The tourists in Phuket are mostly foreigners.

[LivinginKata]

It's odd the ysay that and yet I barely come across many Thai tourists while going on several day tours across Phuket. Where do they hang out and what do Thai tourists do when out and about in Phuket?

There are plenty of Thai tourists visiting Phuket Island. Most are only here for a few days, travel by bus or own car, and stay in budget guest houses. They want to see the famed Phuket beaches and night life.

[madmitch]

It's odd the ysay that and yet I barely come across many Thai tourists while going on several day tours across Phuket. Where do they hang out and what do Thai tourists do when out and about in Phuket?

There are plenty of Thai tourists visiting Phuket Island. Most are only here for a few days, travel by bus or own car, and stay in budget guest houses. They want to see the famed Phuket beaches and night life.

Correct. Not to forget the busloads of local government workers from more northerly provinces that arrive for a few days on a regular basis, often with their buses accompanied by a police escort.

Thais do not travel to Phuket except to do business or work. They rightly think it's too expensive, don't care for the beaches as they don't like dark skin, and moreover are afraid of the south due to Muslims. 90% said they would pick Phuket over a foreign destination, not that they do pick it. The tourists in Phuket are mostly foreigners.

They manage to find plenty of cheaper places to eat and drink and as far as I know are not scared of Muslims but more of the more aggressive nature allegedly found in the southern Thais. And you will see them on the beaches, swimming fully clothed in the late afternoon.

Edited February 15, 2013 by madmitch

[keemapoot]

Sure, I know there are plenty of Thais that come to Phuket, but my impression is they stay only a day or two, usually stay at cheaper Thai places in Phuket Town etc.. Many Thais I've met have expressed to me they are afraid of Phuket as I mentioned. The ones I've seen on the beaches usually seem to be passing through, not actually staying at the beach resorts or hotels - often at beaches up in Mai Khao, etc.... (I lived 10 years in Phuket, moved out 4 years ago to elsewhere in Thailand). I also was part owner (silent) of a well-known restaurant in Phuket, so had the benefit of hearing this from Thais who work in hospitality industry.

I'm no expert on this, by my impression is still that by and large it is mostly a tourist destination for foreigners.

*I also used to fly several times/mo. during those 10 years, and most of the airlines passengers were foreigners (at least that's how it seemed again - no facts or figures to back this up).

Edited February 15, 2013 by keemapoot

[LivinginKata]

<snip>

I also used to fly several times/mo. during those 10 years, and most of the airlines passengers were foreigners (at least that's how it seemed again - no facts or figures to back this up).

Interesting you should say that, just this Monday we flew down from BKK and I remarked to my wife that there were very few 'farangs' on the Air Asia flight. Mostly Thais and Chinese.

[ThaiSold]

What Thai people say and what Thai people do are two different things

[fasteddie]

TThey can have it, I occasionally drive round from Ao Nang for some pies and sausages, then straight back.

[moonbarman]

I didn't realise you had to go overseas from Thailand to get to China and Vietnam!

[keestha]

Leave Phuket to the Thai's - it's a sh*thole the same as Pattaya.

Thanks for your thoughtful comment. It would be highly appreciated if you could become a regular contributor to the Phuket forum.

[starkey_rich]

What Thai people say and what Thai people do are two different things

True.They also tell you what they think you want to hear. Called white lies here.The government do it all the time .So it's OK

They were probably asked if you went on holiday where would you like to go ?

Phuket or Phuket

[DoctorG]

As many Thais do not speak English, travelling OS would seem rather daunting for them I imagine, unless they were on an organised tour such as the Chinese usually do.