Ambassador Kent: British travelers consider Thailand a year-round tourist destination

[webfact]

Ambassador: British travelers consider Thailand a year-round tourist destination

BANGKOK, Thailand - Britain’s Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent has welcomed news that UK tourists now consider Thailand as a year-round holiday destination.

Mr Kent, guest speaker at a networking luncheon hosted by Skal International Bangkok, was responding to comments made by Club President Dale Lawrence that the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s marketing efforts in the United Kingdom were finally paying dividends.

Mr Kent noted the increasing popularity of Thailand amongst UK nationals with the TAT forecasting some 838,000 arrivals from the United Kingdom for calendar year 2013.

He welcomed the news that the average length of stay by Brits in Thailand (17 days) was above average with a significant average daily spend of Baht 3,800.

He warned of the dangers of travelling without adequate health insurance but refused to be drawn on the Thai government’s proposed compulsory Baht 500 health insurance scheme.

The Ambassador told the Skal Bangkok luncheon group that most injuries and fatalities amongst UK nationals visiting Thailand were as a result of motor bike accidents where the victims were not wearing helmets.

Full story: http://www.eturbonews.com/40103/ambassador-british-travelers-consider-thailand-year-round-touris

-- eTN 2013-11-28

[mrtoad]

Is he lining himself up for a job with TAT?

[Bender]

this ass-licker instead of giving speach and parading like a peacock,

he should take care of his citizen, i mean the english tax-payer

[bifftastic]

Taking care of, or looking after it's citizens is not, and never has been, the primary function of an embassy.

[NongKhaiKid]

this ass-licker instead of giving speach and parading like a peacock,

he should take care of his citizen, i mean the english tax-payer

Don't you mean thje British taxpayer ?

[Thainy Tim]

this ass-licker instead of giving speach and parading like a peacock,

he should take care of his citizen, i mean the english tax-payer

Don't you mean thje British taxpayer ?

Or the UK tax payer.

Anyway, I have no time for that idiot. He is nothing more than a brown nosing shiny arse.

Edited to add... I hope you are reading this Mark.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Thainy Tim

[JRSoul]

I'm sure many UK citizens come in June to escape the oppressive heat of an English summer.

[Tatsujin]

I'm sure many UK citizens come in June to escape the oppressive heat of an English summer.

Nah, the quality UK tourists are here for the excellent customer services, cheap prices, great safety record and lack of "suicides". Oh wait, none of those things are true anymore. They're here for the sun and cheap feline companions. Oh no, that's not cheap here anymore either (so I'm told).

[JRSoul]

I'm sure many UK citizens come in June to escape the oppressive heat of an English summer.

Nah, the quality UK tourists are here for the excellent customer services, cheap prices, great safety record and lack of "suicides". Oh wait, none of those things are true anymore. They're here for the sun and cheap feline companions. Oh no, that's not cheap here anymore either (so I'm told).

I'm not sure the price of cats is regularly discussed amongst UK sex tourists.

[asdecas]

Taking care of, or looking after it's citizens is not, and never has been, the primary function of an embassy.

Quite so: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ83Xu0MQiY

What he doesn't mention is that a large part of an ambassador's role is spouting platitudes and stating the obvious, such as today's gem, at dinners, meetings and official functions,

[GeorgeO]

Taking care of, or looking after it's citizens is not, and never has been, the primary function of an embassy.

... nor has fleecing them of close to THB 3,000 any time they want an official stamp....!!

[Hedghog]

Taking care of, or looking after it's citizens is not, and never has been, the primary function of an embassy.

... nor has fleecing them of close to THB 3,000 any time they want an official stamp....!!

Ambassadors tea money.

[ginjag]

Where on earth do we get these NICE Ambassadors from ??? what a bleeding crawler. Typical of the excuse for a dinner at a top Hotel, with stupid out of touch speech. Where did he get the figures from near 4000 bht a day spending and average 17 day trip ??? from TAT. the most ridiculous over budgeted agency in Thailand. Scrap this body and get an organization/department at 50% of the staff, to run an efficient tourist department.

Most of the deaths are m/bicycle related because of not wearing crash hats. HE failed to say MOST of the deaths were caused by Thai crazy drivers of course he couldn't say that as there would be less functions to attend.

This is the man that has in his grasp the little power to push for Passports to be re issued HERE, and to constantly push for the increment increases on pensions to re start, this is the guy that could have a say re-border 90 day visa runs-calling them uncalled for. + retirement visa reporting 90 days. He has NOT much say but a needling once in a while for tourism sake would not go amiss.

[Bagwan]

I'm sure many UK citizens come in June to escape the oppressive heat of an English summer.

Nah, the quality UK tourists are here for the excellent customer services, cheap prices, great safety record and lack of "suicides". Oh wait, none of those things are true anymore. They're here for the sun and cheap feline companions. Oh no, that's not cheap here anymore either (so I'm told).

They should stay home and buy a budgerigar, They're always going cheep.

.

[ginjag]

I'm sure many UK citizens come in June to escape the oppressive heat of an English summer.

Nah, the quality UK tourists are here for the excellent customer services, cheap prices, great safety record and lack of "suicides". Oh wait, none of those things are true anymore. They're here for the sun and cheap feline companions. Oh no, that's not cheap here anymore either (so I'm told).

They should stay home and buy a budgerigar, They're always going cheep.

.

Not so cheep if they are on higher PERCHES.

[salavan]

i wish ambassador Kent would read the reply's on this site then if he would know what the uk subjects think of him, if he doesn't already know and couldn't care less

[mikebell]

He also failed to mention that many of these high-end British tourists come to visit their dads who have retired to their place in the sun. These same dads are being impoverished yearly by the discrimination of the UK Government who are freezing their state pensions despite paying into the UK system all their working lives. Their taxes are paying Mr Kent's over-inflated salary together with his inflation-proof pension.

[Time Traveller]

Well there certainly was some doubt about it, but Ambassador Kent has cleared things up. Yes, Thailand is a tourism destination.

Do people actually pay to go and hear the Ambassador make such insightful comments like this? Because it certainly is hard to imagine there is anyone living that is dumber than the British Ambassador.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Time Traveller

[wolf5370]

Where on earth do we get these NICE Ambassadors from ??? what a bleeding crawler. Typical of the excuse for a dinner at a top Hotel, with stupid out of touch speech. Where did he get the figures from near 4000 bht a day spending and average 17 day trip ??? from TAT. the most ridiculous over budgeted agency in Thailand. Scrap this body and get an organization/department at 50% of the staff, to run an efficient tourist department.

Most of the deaths are m/bicycle related because of not wearing crash hats. HE failed to say MOST of the deaths were caused by Thai crazy drivers of course he couldn't say that as there would be less functions to attend.

This is the man that has in his grasp the little power to push for Passports to be re issued HERE, and to constantly push for the increment increases on pensions to re start, this is the guy that could have a say re-border 90 day visa runs-calling them uncalled for. + retirement visa reporting 90 days. He has NOT much say but a needling once in a while for tourism sake would not go amiss.

While this is true, he would be a fool in this country to spout any of that out at a public luncheon at a bank. That sort of stuff is discussed behind closed door, where face can be maintained and things can be negotiated for. Throwing his rattle out of the pram will simply ostracize him, and make his efforts with Thai authorities impossible. He has little "power", what he has is diplomacy and negotiating ability - that is used in tact, as and when needed, and privately until agreement is reached.

[noitom]

While the UK has issued warnings to its citizens about danger and risk in Thailand, this pompous bureaucrat is making this kind of speech and the newspaper is pandering to it. He and they should be ashamed. So detached from reality and what is going on.

[davejones]

this ass-licker instead of giving speach and parading like a peacock,

he should take care of his citizen, i mean the english tax-payer

He's British Ambassador, so why do you think he should only take care of English taxpayers. What about the other British people?

[ginjag]

Where on earth do we get these NICE Ambassadors from ??? what a bleeding crawler. Typical of the excuse for a dinner at a top Hotel, with stupid out of touch speech. Where did he get the figures from near 4000 bht a day spending and average 17 day trip ??? from TAT. the most ridiculous over budgeted agency in Thailand. Scrap this body and get an organization/department at 50% of the staff, to run an efficient tourist department.

Most of the deaths are m/bicycle related because of not wearing crash hats. HE failed to say MOST of the deaths were caused by Thai crazy drivers of course he couldn't say that as there would be less functions to attend.

This is the man that has in his grasp the little power to push for Passports to be re issued HERE, and to constantly push for the increment increases on pensions to re start, this is the guy that could have a say re-border 90 day visa runs-calling them uncalled for. + retirement visa reporting 90 days. He has NOT much say but a needling once in a while for tourism sake would not go amiss.

While this is true, he would be a fool in this country to spout any of that out at a public luncheon at a bank. That sort of stuff is discussed behind closed door, where face can be maintained and things can be negotiated for. Throwing his rattle out of the pram will simply ostracize him, and make his efforts with Thai authorities impossible. He has little "power", what he has is diplomacy and negotiating ability - that is used in tact, as and when needed, and privately until agreement is reached.

I do agree with most of what you posted, I didn't say he had to "throw the rattle out of the pram" at the dinner, but with the little bit of pushing diplomatically he couldn't lose - he could put the idea's to Thai-suggesting that bla bla bla. and also act on behalf of ex pats on pensions here relaying those proposals to London-why not ??? These hotel/bank dinners are a load of B/S far too regular, better spend time on British persons HERE and what assistance MORE he can give.

Surely it's in his best interest, if he wins the hearts of the British here, the better his overseas work will look, therefore more promotion prospects to higher class countries.

[ggold]

he must have gone to Eton with David! sure knows how to kiss ass.

No mention of the friendly scams UK tourists might come across on their holiday's just stay safe wear a helmet! Oh and we can help relieve you of millions should you like to use British know how for your rail project. Begging bowl time for the UK!

[simple1]

Where on earth do we get these NICE Ambassadors from ??? what a bleeding crawler. Typical of the excuse for a dinner at a top Hotel, with stupid out of touch speech. Where did he get the figures from near 4000 bht a day spending and average 17 day trip ??? from TAT. the most ridiculous over budgeted agency in Thailand. Scrap this body and get an organization/department at 50% of the staff, to run an efficient tourist department.

Most of the deaths are m/bicycle related because of not wearing crash hats. HE failed to say MOST of the deaths were caused by Thai crazy drivers of course he couldn't say that as there would be less functions to attend.

This is the man that has in his grasp the little power to push for Passports to be re issued HERE, and to constantly push for the increment increases on pensions to re start, this is the guy that could have a say re-border 90 day visa runs-calling them uncalled for. + retirement visa reporting 90 days. He has NOT much say but a needling once in a while for tourism sake would not go amiss.

While this is true, he would be a fool in this country to spout any of that out at a public luncheon at a bank. That sort of stuff is discussed behind closed door, where face can be maintained and things can be negotiated for. Throwing his rattle out of the pram will simply ostracize him, and make his efforts with Thai authorities impossible. He has little "power", what he has is diplomacy and negotiating ability - that is used in tact, as and when needed, and privately until agreement is reached.

Many posters in this thread have demonstrated their complete ignorance of diplomacy or just indulging in anonymous bashing. I attended a briefing by the executive responsible for Consular Services who talked to the services they are empowered to provide to UK citizens in Thailand & other matters e.g. assistance and support for 23 sexual assault victims in 2011/2012. Some questions from the attendees were childish, as are some of the comments in this thread.

Edited November 28, 2013 by simple1

[Rinrada]

Had a brief talk with him recently and he came over as a very nice chap.

O dear......crivens......bring oot yer deed......and gardi loo.....

Edited November 28, 2013 by Rinrada

[ginjag]

Where on earth do we get these NICE Ambassadors from ??? what a bleeding crawler. Typical of the excuse for a dinner at a top Hotel, with stupid out of touch speech. Where did he get the figures from near 4000 bht a day spending and average 17 day trip ??? from TAT. the most ridiculous over budgeted agency in Thailand. Scrap this body and get an organization/department at 50% of the staff, to run an efficient tourist department.

Most of the deaths are m/bicycle related because of not wearing crash hats. HE failed to say MOST of the deaths were caused by Thai crazy drivers of course he couldn't say that as there would be less functions to attend.

This is the man that has in his grasp the little power to push for Passports to be re issued HERE, and to constantly push for the increment increases on pensions to re start, this is the guy that could have a say re-border 90 day visa runs-calling them uncalled for. + retirement visa reporting 90 days. He has NOT much say but a needling once in a while for tourism sake would not go amiss.

While this is true, he would be a fool in this country to spout any of that out at a public luncheon at a bank. That sort of stuff is discussed behind closed door, where face can be maintained and things can be negotiated for. Throwing his rattle out of the pram will simply ostracize him, and make his efforts with Thai authorities impossible. He has little "power", what he has is diplomacy and negotiating ability - that is used in tact, as and when needed, and privately until agreement is reached.

Many posters in this thread have demonstrated their complete ignorance of diplomacy or just indulging in anonymous bashing. I attended a briefing by the executive responsible for Consular Services who talked to the services they are empowered to provide to UK citizens in Thailand & other matters e.g. assistance and support for 23 sexual assault victims in 2011/2012. Some questions from the attendees were childish, as are some of the comments in this thread.

Hey simple, I think you may be referring to mine ??? but to inform you the said Ambassador should offer services where needed within the guidelines of his work. My other points he could try to help with many matters appertaining to retired/ex pats here, similar to those I mentioned --WHY NOT ???? these guys are not above doing normal feedback to London. they are paid servants by the public.

[bifftastic]

Taking care of, or looking after it's citizens is not, and never has been, the primary function of an embassy.

Quite so: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ83Xu0MQiY

What he doesn't mention is that a large part of an ambassador's role is spouting platitudes and stating the obvious, such as today's gem, at dinners, meetings and official functions,

I thought that would be a given, he's a civil servant, talking <deleted> is a huge part of any role in that line of work.

[simple1]

Where on earth do we get these NICE Ambassadors from ??? what a bleeding crawler. Typical of the excuse for a dinner at a top Hotel, with stupid out of touch speech. Where did he get the figures from near 4000 bht a day spending and average 17 day trip ??? from TAT. the most ridiculous over budgeted agency in Thailand. Scrap this body and get an organization/department at 50% of the staff, to run an efficient tourist department.

Most of the deaths are m/bicycle related because of not wearing crash hats. HE failed to say MOST of the deaths were caused by Thai crazy drivers of course he couldn't say that as there would be less functions to attend.

This is the man that has in his grasp the little power to push for Passports to be re issued HERE, and to constantly push for the increment increases on pensions to re start, this is the guy that could have a say re-border 90 day visa runs-calling them uncalled for. + retirement visa reporting 90 days. He has NOT much say but a needling once in a while for tourism sake would not go amiss.

While this is true, he would be a fool in this country to spout any of that out at a public luncheon at a bank. That sort of stuff is discussed behind closed door, where face can be maintained and things can be negotiated for. Throwing his rattle out of the pram will simply ostracize him, and make his efforts with Thai authorities impossible. He has little "power", what he has is diplomacy and negotiating ability - that is used in tact, as and when needed, and privately until agreement is reached.

Many posters in this thread have demonstrated their complete ignorance of diplomacy or just indulging in anonymous bashing. I attended a briefing by the executive responsible for Consular Services who talked to the services they are empowered to provide to UK citizens in Thailand & other matters e.g. assistance and support for 23 sexual assault victims in 2011/2012. Some questions from the attendees were childish, as are some of the comments in this thread.

Hey simple, I think you may be referring to mine ??? but to inform you the said Ambassador should offer services where needed within the guidelines of his work. My other points he could try to help with many matters appertaining to retired/ex pats here, similar to those I mentioned --WHY NOT ???? these guys are not above doing normal feedback to London. they are paid servants by the public.

No, not you specifically. Ambassador or rather Consular more than likely does provide feedback to the FCO on issues faced by UK citizens in Thailand. I believe it was mentioned publically by the last Ambassador, prior to departing, regards pensions. Whether this will contribute to the Department for Work & Pensions who can change policy is questionable, given the political climate in the U.K.

I recall FCO have made it clear why U.K. passports are not processed within Thailand.

I assume people have made themselves aware of what the Embassy can/cannot do for UK citizens in Thailand, if not go to:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211217/FCO_BritsAbroad_web_13.pdf

[crumpled]

Yeah. He should get himself on here and face the public. Bet he would not last 5 minutes.

edit to add....

George, invite him on here

Edited November 28, 2013 by crumpled

[bigbamboo]

Had a brief talk with him recently and he came over as a very nice chap.

O dear......crivens......bring oot yer deed......and gardi loo.....

That's what they're trained to do.