Yingluck Urges T A T To Attract More ' High-End Tourists' Into Thailand

[Imkah]

How about an improvement of services before Thailand thinks of increasing high end tourists. I should think that wealthy tourists aren't interested in dealing with the neanderthals lurking in/outside Suvarnabhumi for a start.

Only had to read 1 post this time before my old knee-jerk reaction: "What the f.. is wrong with the majority? of TV's users?"

There is an obvious logic in trying to upgrade the tourism-business. That YOU get screwed every time you try to outwit your fellow neanderthals at the airport is your problem! I have just seen 4 of my family members off on a 16 day trip to a Thailand you probably never have visited: fortunately (for them) they are all well off, will be very well received and shuttled efficiently off to a memorable holiday. They deserve it, and get, thanks to the Thai's expertise on logistics everything they expect. Including Thai food a bit too bland and sweet, a lot of smiles that hide a lot of frustration etc. Things we who know the country would call amiss.

That's the tourism-business, stupid! Creates jobs and all kind of other shit.

I am not as fortunate, income-wise,as my siblings, but am happily married to a Thai woman, own a shit-hole of an apartment, and NEVER have I been bothered by lurking neanderthals in or outside Suvanabhumi. I've met som idiots, yes, but they have mostly been British with weird tatoos, elderly pinkish-looking people should not be wearing. The Thai's trying to sell a service they never can deliver youare complaining about? I might be broke, but I'm not stupid, stupid!

[Time Traveller]

They could get all tourists arriving to sign a form saying that during their time in Thailand they will be a "high-end-tourist". That will surely increase the numbers for TAT when it comes time for their next budget request

Edited March 24, 2013 by Time Traveller

[Mickeem]

Chinese spend less? I'll have to disagree on that. It's quite the norm for Chinese tourists from Beijing and Shanghai shop till they drop. The average Singaporean, Taiwanese or Hongkonger spends more in a day what the average Western backpacker spends in a month.

ChanJoonYee,

Singaporeans, Taiwanese and Hong Kongers are not Chinese - they are their own countrymen in their own right, just to clarify things. Many Singaporeans and Taiwanese, would be heavily offended if you called them Chinese, and the Hong Kongers would be insulted if you called them "mainlanders". Mainland Chinese have very distinct characteristics about them in comparison to the groups you mentioned above. If we want to compare apples with apples, you should be comparing the wealthiest westerners with the wealthiest Chinese - if you take a look at the rich list on Bloomberg, The western faces and names heavily outnumber the Chinese. Comparing the richest Chinese with backpackers is a very skewed test pool. This is not a new strategy for China, though..

One of the unique things about Chinese tourists is that they tend to travel in tour groups, arranged in China. They are picked up at the Airport by their own countrymen (tour guides, the same thing they have been arresting the Russians for in Phuket) and are escorted to their hotels. They dine at Chinese owned businesses, operated by Thais who get a pittance of the profit for salaries. They stay at Chinese Hotels, staffed by Thais who receive a pittance of the profit in salaries. They travel around nearly all day on buses owned by Chinese and staffed by Thais who receive a pittance of the profit in salaries for their services. The remainder of the money left, is sent straight back to China. I can assure you, they are as good at avoiding taxes as any other, and that very little of the money spent by the Chinese ever sees Thai hands.

They may spend IN Thailand, but the profits LEAVE Thailand often before the tourists do. This is the ultimate exploitation of creating an "economy within an economy", ensuring local operators are "starved out". We have seen it in my home country, too. They don't even employ New Zealanders in their businesses here. Only Chinese.

Seems like you have not witnessed the new wave of independent mainland Chinese tourists currently to be seen in large numbers around Chiang Mai and Pai ..

[kurnell]

How about an improvement of services before Thailand thinks of increasing high end tourists. I should think that wealthy tourists aren't interested in dealing with the neanderthals lurking in/outside Suvarnabhumi for a start.

Only had to read 1 post this time before my old knee-jerk reaction: "What the f.. is wrong with the majority? of TV's users?"

There is an obvious logic in trying to upgrade the tourism-business. That YOU get screwed every time you try to outwit your fellow neanderthals at the airport is your problem! I have just seen 4 of my family members off on a 16 day trip to a Thailand you probably never have visited: fortunately (for them) they are all well off, will be very well received and shuttled efficiently off to a memorable holiday. They deserve it, and get, thanks to the Thai's expertise on logistics everything they expect. Including Thai food a bit too bland and sweet, a lot of smiles that hide a lot of frustration etc. Things we who know the country would call amiss.

That's the tourism-business, stupid! Creates jobs and all kind of other shit.

I am not as fortunate, income-wise,as my siblings, but am happily married to a Thai woman, own a shit-hole of an apartment, and NEVER have I been bothered by lurking neanderthals in or outside Suvanabhumi. I've met som idiots, yes, but they have mostly been British with weird tatoos, elderly pinkish-looking people should not be wearing. The Thai's trying to sell a service they never can deliver youare complaining about? I might be broke, but I'm not stupid, stupid!

Yeah yeah, heard it all before. Fact is Yingluck wants a better standard of tourist i.e. one that stays here for a shorter period and spends more than backpackers for example, who made Thailand popular in the first place. More money for the rich and less money for the poor. Stay in 5 star resorts and keep off the streets, where street vendors can benefit from the tourist dollar.

If you wanna support the idiots inside the airport (and this was an example, that is why I wrote "for a start"), who are still allowed to roam free harassing arriving tourists, then this is your clouded prerogative, as these people can be found everywhere that there are tourists (out the front of hotels, temples, beaches, bars etc) so I suggest you take off those rose coloured glasses and take a step away from that "shit-hole of an apartment" and visit the areas that the 5 star tourists see and maybe you can note what I am talking about, as I have the money to visit the "5 star resorts" and no doubt have seen more of Thailand than you have.

[blueshark]

The Womans ignorance and stupidity knows no bounds.

Of course this is a plum idea for her and the ever money hungry Thai population are jumping up and down with joy, already dreaming about their next new something they must buy at all costs.

But if she has these goals try cleaning up the guns, robbery, rape, prostitution, mafia, police mafia and rampant hysterical corruption at all levels of government and public office 1st.

Then maybe David Beckham and brad pit will drop by for some somtam and enjoy a carefree jet ski ride in Phuket.

Hummmmmm...... Nope! ..... Back to the Useless bull sh$$ ing Mrs lucky.

[Sing_Sling]

the Thai's expertise on logistics

Excellent

[zydeco]

This probably means more Koreans on golf weekends and golf vacations. That's okay. The Koreans seem to be pretty sane. On the other hand, this will mean far fewer Russians and Chinese. Don't know about the Chinese, but anything that results in fewer Russians is a GOOD idea. I know the 7-11 clerks will breathe a lot easier without them, too,

[Sayonarax]

You need high end things to attract high end tourist. You lack everything.. Your city is an ugly dirty craphole and most tourist flee Bangkok within 48hrs of coming here to go some where more remote.

In my experience what you say about tourists looking to flee Bangkok asap is about right. Once they've been around the temples, been up the Chao Praya river, done their shopping and been done by a visiting the floating market they're just about ready to leave. Of course there are also those for whom 'one night in Bangkok' isn't nearly enough....!

​As much as i love the city, it could do with a lick of paint. Garbage stowed away correctly, so you don't have to smell last nights som tom and dead fish.

[SiamKitt]

Rusians, Chinese & Indians..??

Well I only know a handfull of Russians, good people, they live here & are embarrassed by the exploits of their fellow countrymen here.

Chinese?..how many tourists can there be?..most of 'em are here already! they've owned & run this country for years!

Indians??..nah..don't get me started!!

[toenail]

One should not forget that the money spent bybackpackers and "travelers on the cheap" goes more directly to the pockets of the locals than the money spent by the 5 tourists. Example: Money spent at a international hotel chain ends up mostly in the banks of some big company; meanwhile baht spent at a guesthouse or a locally owned hotel will reach, (more directly) to the proprietor. A locally owned restaurant or vendor will make profit off the "cheap tourist" ; whereas the international chains keep the profit meanwhile paying their staff just minimum wage. I think it is only fair to say that both kinds of tourist are important to the economy.

[ZhouZhou]

Rusians, Chinese & Indians..??

Well I only know a handfull of Russians, good people, they live here & are embarrassed by the exploits of their fellow countrymen here.

Chinese?..how many tourists can there be?..most of 'em are here already! they've owned & run this country for years!

Indians??..nah..don't get me started!!

Russia, India, China, right that is the market to campaign to get a higher percentage of quality tourist, because their low class cannot afford holiday in Thailand. unlike the lo so from western countries who can, but that could spoil in the end that goal of 30 percent high end tourism.

ps. looking at your name - are you of Chinese descent too? because they prefer, if possible, the 'Siam' tag for everything related with the kingdom over tagging it as 'Thai'.

greetings.

[ZhouZhou]

One should not forget that the money spent bybackpackers and "travelers on the cheap" goes more directly to the pockets of the locals than the money spent by the 5 tourists. Example: Money spent at a international hotel chain ends up mostly in the banks of some big company; meanwhile baht spent at a guesthouse or a locally owned hotel will reach, (more directly) to the proprietor. A locally owned restaurant or vendor will make profit off the "cheap tourist" ; whereas the international chains keep the profit meanwhile paying their staff just minimum wage. I think it is only fair to say that both kinds of tourist are important to the economy.

nice backpacker myth here. they write stuff like that in the editorial of the lonely planet to make you will better.

one fancy high end resort on a nice island controllable eco tourism wise. wild growing of the grass root, back packer tourism will actually have a higher environmental impact and damage.

furthermore it looks like the country don't want to become financially depend on that low class tourism. even it brings actually more money to the economy. no interest. making the most money, that is not the goal.

read the op.

"keep the total number of tourists to an appropriate level in order to prevent deterioration of natural resources and overcrowding at Suvarnabhumi international airport."

as romantic backpacker traveling sounds, look at the market in Thailand. does the backpacker sector need anymore grow and expansion?

[skorchio]

"and to finish , in a tourim industry school we learn that it take a lot of time to make a client,more time to keep him as guest and a few second to loose him.

saddly a bad reputation dont help."

So true!!!!!

[yummypizza]

Yes i agree, send them all here, looks very inviting..

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=516470131732688&set=a.349463625100007.80827.349454021767634&type=1&theater

[DocN]

There is absolutely nothing wrong, with trying to attract more hi-end- customers.

Only

a) don't bit the hand that feeds you and that is (at the moment) package- tourists or backpackers.

make a REAL attempt to upgrade things and do not destroy all you have and STILL expect people to spend more and more on the same (and even sh1ttier) sh1t, time after time.

[TheGhostWithin]

We have seen it in my home country, too. They don't even employ New Zealanders in their businesses here. Only Chinese.

are there the xenophobia comes from. pesky foreigners steal my job nonsense.

ZhouZhou, the cases I was attempting to communicate were in which new immigrants of which English is not their first language specifically hire persons of their own ethnicity - often so that they can take advantage of them. My partner was employed by such a lovely Thai man, who owns a local restaurant. When he short changed her pay, then denied the hours she had been working, he got a rude shock when I presented proof that she was there. He got an even ruder shock when the tax department turned up to audit his books for other staff who were on tourist and student visas (not work visas and not entitled to work in the way they were). It isn't about foreigners taking local jobs, It is about not giving locals fair and equal opportunity to get the same job, as foreigners complain when they are not given the same treatment here. The likes of which us "Farang" can dream of until the cows come home in Thailand. Sorry for any offense caused.

[TheGhostWithin]

do like your posts and views, but have to disagree with you here.

Chinese spend less? I'll have to disagree on that. It's quite the norm for Chinese tourists from Beijing and Shanghai shop till they drop. The average Singaporean, Taiwanese or Hongkonger spends more in a day what the average Western backpacker spends in a month.

ChanJoonYee,

Singaporeans, Taiwanese and Hong Kongers are not Chinese - they are their own countrymen in their own right, just to clarify things. Many Singaporeans and Taiwanese, would be heavily offended if you called them Chinese,

I'm afraid that you are terribly wrong there . . . don't forget that the term 'Chinese' refers to ethnicity as well and that's something no Malaysian Chinese, Singaporean Chinese, Thai Chinese, Indonesian Chinese (note the term 'Chinese' behind the nationality) would cast aside. Taiwanese consider themselves the true Chinese . . .

Why is there anything wrong with that . . . it is their identity . . . nationality is a relatively new phenomenon in this region and the Chinese diaspora is widespread . . . but they maintain their ethnicroots

Thank you for responding Sing_Sling,

Yes, you are very right - when I traveled to Malaysia, one of the first things which shocked me was the "unity" message purveyed by the government, but open segregation of living and working areas (though not imposed by law, rather social pressures) whereby Chinese basically operated in their own areas. I love the atmosphere Chinese created in Penang, though it may not be the same anymore. But, times seem to be changing, I often see reports of Singaporeans complaining of foreigners taking their jobs, which I hear is gaining traction within the Golden city. I read reports of Hong Kongers complaining about Mainlanders coming into Hong Kong to give birth, taking beds from locals and putting unnecessary pressure on the system. I have heard of the two sides of Taiwan, battling over if China should have more influence and Taiwan should accept its' role within the Peoples Republic, or if it should go the independent route as pushed by the Americans. These three examples lead me to believe that although ethnic origins, languages and physical characteristics, this is where being a Chinese immigrant ends - they do not associate any loyalty to the Mainland (with exceptions to some aforementioned Taiwanese). They associate themselves as Singaporean, Hong Kongers, and Taiwanese, and as reliance to this article, Thai. And Chinese are hard workers, smart, and often work as a family unit - like the Jews of similar stereotypical work approach, they over time become wealthier than those around them; often outclassing the locals. As we say here, they would be "Chinese when the situation suits them" and creates advantage, but otherwise they would prefer to be known as "Thai, Singaporean, Hong Kongers, or Malaysian" in the opinions of my personal friends. Perhaps we associate with different circles, which is okay too

Edited March 27, 2013 by TheGhostWithin

[Sing_Sling]

do like your posts and views, but have to disagree with you here.

Chinese spend less? I'll have to disagree on that. It's quite the norm for Chinese tourists from Beijing and Shanghai shop till they drop. The average Singaporean, Taiwanese or Hongkonger spends more in a day what the average Western backpacker spends in a month.

ChanJoonYee,

Singaporeans, Taiwanese and Hong Kongers are not Chinese - they are their own countrymen in their own right, just to clarify things. Many Singaporeans and Taiwanese, would be heavily offended if you called them Chinese,

I'm afraid that you are terribly wrong there . . . don't forget that the term 'Chinese' refers to ethnicity as well and that's something no Malaysian Chinese, Singaporean Chinese, Thai Chinese, Indonesian Chinese (note the term 'Chinese' behind the nationality) would cast aside. Taiwanese consider themselves the true Chinese . . .

Why is there anything wrong with that . . . it is their identity . . . nationality is a relatively new phenomenon in this region and the Chinese diaspora is widespread . . . but they maintain their ethnicroots

Thank you for responding Sing_Sling,

Yes, you are very right - when I traveled to Malaysia, one of the first things which shocked me was the "unity" message purveyed by the government, but open segregation of living and working areas (though not imposed by law, rather social pressures) whereby Chinese basically operated in their own areas. I love the atmosphere Chinese created in Penang, though it may not be the same anymore. But, times seem to be changing, I often see reports of Singaporeans complaining of foreigners taking their jobs, which I hear is gaining traction within the Golden city. I read reports of Hong Kongers complaining about Mainlanders coming into Hong Kong to give birth, taking beds from locals and putting unnecessary pressure on the system. I have heard of the two sides of Taiwan, battling over if China should have more influence and Taiwan should accept its' role within the Peoples Republic, or if it should go the independent route as pushed by the Americans. These three examples lead me to believe that although ethnic origins, languages and physical characteristics, this is where being a Chinese immigrant ends - they do not associate any loyalty to the Mainland (with exceptions to some aforementioned Taiwanese). They associate themselves as Singaporean, Hong Kongers, and Taiwanese, and as reliance to this article, Thai. And Chinese are hard workers, smart, and often work as a family unit - like the Jews of similar stereotypical work approach, they over time become wealthier than those around them; often outclassing the locals. As we say here, they would be "Chinese when the situation suits them" and creates advantage, but otherwise they would prefer to be known as "Thai, Singaporean, Hong Kongers, or Malaysian" in the opinions of my personal friends. Perhaps we associate with different circles, which is okay too

Times are changing, TGW . . . and no-one likes mainlanders. I noticed the massive change towards them during my six years in Singapore from grudgingly accepting them to outright hostility . . . the same isn't the case in Malaysia because the government doesn't accept immigration from China . . . as for being in NZ . . . my wife is a Malaysian Chinese Christchurch Lawyer Kiwi and is definitely not Malaysian first, rather Chinese and Kiwi . . . nothing to do with the mainland - so you are I agree.

Been working here in Malaysia about four years now and though people do work together in 'harmony' there are disparaging remarks about others that roll off the tongue - all a result of the education policy instigated by Tunku Abdul Rahman in trying to keep all ethnic groups happy. Anyway, long story - thanks for your opinion.

As for high-end tourists . . . I don't see the fuss as to why this shouldn't be a goal . . . it's not a class war, it is a matter of dollars and sense - and possibly getting away from the 'cheap whores and cheaper beer' reputation which Thailand has had since the 70s.

[HOAX]

Imagine, a Hollywood anti-bacteria-actress with a freaksmile while ordering chicken on the street when she sees the food spits out of the open mouth of the sales woman, and not to mention the unclean "kitchen", bugs, dogs and the pollution.

High-end tourists? Haha. Most Thais don't even have a clue what a High-end life is. There's like... a trillion things... It will... take generations...

Edited March 28, 2013 by HOAX

[PoodMaiDai]

To attract high end tourists you need a high end country.

Never gonna happen.

If you want to see the high end tourists they have attracted so far, have a peek at Pattaya. Splendid group of tourists there, buying their beer at 7-11 and coming in tour groups, as all high end tourist do.

At the same time local businesses in Chiang Mai are complaining (this was on TV) about how dirty and rude the new Chinese tourists are who are pouring into that city. Much like the Pattaya and Phuket businesses complain about Indians, Arabs, and Russians.

The problem is, Thailand doesn't know what "high end" really means. Otherwise they would be fishing with the proper bait.

[LingLek]

How about an improvement of services before Thailand thinks of increasing high end tourists. I should think that wealthy tourists aren't interested in dealing with the neanderthals lurking in/outside Suvarnabhumi for a start.

? Peking man is already established here.

So, evidently, is Falang man.

[Tomtomtom69]

Just because my face is white, and I am a young to middle aged tourist in Thailand, does not mean you should judge me. I live in New Zealand, I have a Thai girlfriend from a good background who shares experiences and life with me here in New Zealand. We spend a lot of our year in the South of Thailand (Yala), where there are no beer bars. Please do not confuse yourself and assume that because I have a white face, and the Male body parts that I, nor anyone else with white skin come here just for the beer bars. Some do, but some do not. And this is their choice. I could also generalise and say that all Chinese arrive into Thailand following strange looking flags (this is what most of our white faces see at the airport and we never see most of you Chinese after that), and refuse to acknowledge or learn anything about a foreign culture before they visit or even settle in a country, but this would be racist - precisely the angle you have just taken against me being a white man that likes to visit the Kingdom. And besides, I have a more open view of the world from you and happen to know that a percentage of Chinese and Russians are actually interested in learning. I assume from your response that you are not, and that you are interested in seeing the world through the eyes of anyone except for your own. In 20 years, please do not complain that you are out of touch with the world; it is changing, even if you are not.

In relation to not wanting to buy from Asian traders; it is more about perception of trust - we feel we are seen as a number, and an easy target for a swindle by people of Asian origin, the same as when Chinese visit my country they tend to buy Chinese products from Chinese vendors. I have been around a while, and actually prefer to buy from Thais because I find them generally very honest and good at selling the right product, unless you shop at Pantip. In my country, everything is made in China. Unfortunately Chinese hunger for growth has destroyed our uncompetitive industrial market, but that is fine because it the industries here were greedy and inefficient previously.

Your small tunnel vision of the world in a nationalist and racist viewpoint is most concerning.

You go to Yala?! Aren't you scared of being blown up by an insurgent attack? You are one brave foreigner there my friend...probably the only non-Malaysian foreigner that dares venture into that area.

[Tomtomtom69]

Laos is waiting in vain, even willing to let go of the entry visa regulation.

they don't mind high end tourists, everybody feels welcome!

I wish they would 'let go of the entry visa regulation' then expats could and would pour over the border spending their cash for a weekend or a good night out in Laos.

A good night out in Laos? May be if you 80 and usually in bed by 11pm

Actually it's possible to have a better night out in Laos than in Thailand, even if you're 20 or 30. It's called going to a nightclub in Vientiane with young, rich Lao locals or to a bar or rural restaurant on the highway with no other foreigners in sight, the locals buy a round of Beerlao and give you snacks like duck embryos, spicy larb etc. and before you know it you're having a ball of a time. Then again, if you consider Chiang Mai or Pattaya farang sit-on-a-stool beer bars talking with 3 prostitutes at the same time having a good time, be my guest. But in order for that to qualify as fun, the minimum age requirement is 60.

[teatree]

Thailand is attractive to tourists because it is relatively cheap.

I don't see Thailand as being particularly attractive to people with lots of money.

If they want higher end tourists then develop something that they want to come and see. A glossy ad campaign won't do anything.

[mancub]

One should not forget that the money spent bybackpackers and "travelers on the cheap" goes more directly to the pockets of the locals than the money spent by the 5 tourists. Example: Money spent at a international hotel chain ends up mostly in the banks of some big company; meanwhile baht spent at a guesthouse or a locally owned hotel will reach, (more directly) to the proprietor. A locally owned restaurant or vendor will make profit off the "cheap tourist" ; whereas the international chains keep the profit meanwhile paying their staff just minimum wage. I think it is only fair to say that both kinds of tourist are important to the economy.

nice backpacker myth here. they write stuff like that in the editorial of the lonely planet to make you will better.

one fancy high end resort on a nice island controllable eco tourism wise. wild growing of the grass root, back packer tourism will actually have a higher environmental impact and damage.

furthermore it looks like the country don't want to become financially depend on that low class tourism. even it brings actually more money to the economy. no interest. making the most money, that is not the goal.

read the op.

"keep the total number of tourists to an appropriate level in order to prevent deterioration of natural resources and overcrowding at Suvarnabhumi international airport."

as romantic backpacker traveling sounds, look at the market in Thailand. does the backpacker sector need anymore grow and expansion?

Suggest that you also "read the op" ...

She also asked the TAT to introduce measures to extend tourists' length of stay from five days to six days.....

You can't have it both ways !