Govt To Convince Foreign Tourists All Is Well

By Khaosod English.

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has instructed the government to woo foreign tourists amid the ongoing political crisis in Thailand.

In a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports today, Ms. Yingluck acknowledged that the Thai tourism business has been gravely affected by the anti-government protests which seek to oust Ms. Yingluck and her government in favour of an unelected "People′s Council".

In order to remedy the situation, Ms. Yingluck urged the Ministry to help the tourism enterprises via several schemes, such as developing the existing tourist attraction, creating new attractions, and devising a plan for administration of special tourism zones in historical attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Furthermore, the authorities should develop ‘one-stop service’ point in the country’s airports to facilitate incoming tourists, the Prime Minister told the meeting.

She also assured the officials that budget for the Ministry of Tourism and Sports remains unaffected by the political turmoil, adding that the Ministry actually spent less fund in previous months, as many events and tourism promotion campaign have been cancelled due to the protests.

Following the meeting with Ms. Yingluck, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Somsak Phurisrisak, told the press that overall tourist number is still in good level this year so far, in spite of the protests in Bangkok.

According to Mr. Somsak, the decrease in tourist number only occurred in Bangkok, while other parts of Thailand are still popular among foreign visitors.

Nevertheless, Mr. Somsak admitted that many nations are suffering "shockwave effect" after the Thai government declared the State of Emergency in Bangkok last month. Many countries have advised their citizens to avoid travels to Thailand as a result, he noted.

"Foreigners are frightened," the Minister said.

He added that the loss in the industry should remain at a low level of nearly 2.2 million baht, and could be recovered soon in this year Q3 - Q4, as the Ministry is seeking new markets to redeem the loss.

Moreover, the Tourism and Sports Minister expressed his belief that number of tourists from Asian countries, including China, Japan and Russia could rebound easily.

“The Ministry does not plan to change this year′s target. We are simply revising our marketing strategies”, stated Mr. Somsak, adding that he has suggested to Ms. Yingluck that Thailand needs to reinforce its laws enforcement and protection of foreign tourists in order to create trust among visitors.

Ms. Yingluck has advised the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to urgently discuss the matter with the police, Mr. Somsak said.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNU1qSTVOalExTVE9PQ==

-- Khaosod English 2014-02-13

Come to Thailand, all is well. Nothing to see here, move on move on

its all nonsense.

another attraction is not going to help, special zones are not going to help, One stop service (whatever that means) is not going to help.

A stable government and a lack of political unrest timed to coincide with every high season -- that would help.

Rule of law in all of Thailand and accountability by tour operators and vendors in tourist zones (and all of thailand) - that would help.

political parties not moved by the desire for controlling the cash cow for their own enrichment and a genuine desire for reform, that would help too.

Tourism 6% of GDP? Sure. Seems more like 25% from how they go on about it. In what country with 6% or less of GDP coming from tourism are there these frequent very high level talks and press reports from Presidents, Premieres, Prime Ministers?

This country STILL relies on tourism as one the topmost important industries. But they can't admit it! FACE?

Just do what we usually do boys...tell lies and bullshit and smile...

He added that the loss in the industry should remain at a low level of nearly 2.2 million baht,

Seems they just cant help themselves lying...so if I reading this correct the protests have only lost USD +/-65k in lost revenue ????

I am calling BS on this number, talk about spin doctoring

but ... but ... but didn't I read a topic today with a "all rosy-peechy" from the Tourist Authority Thailand. Did Ms. Yingluck miss that message?

He added that the loss in the industry should remain at a low level of nearly 2.2 million baht,

Seems they just cant help themselves lying...so if I reading this correct the protests have only lost USD +/-65k in lost revenue ????

I am calling BS on this number, talk about spin doctoring

It's a wonder who these press reports are targeting. Surely most of farangs would not blindly accept these random daily numbers. Thais, on the other hand, well they are not allowed to question the boss. Perhaps these stories are not really for us thinking human folk?

Land of smiles lol. It is the go go bars is the only reason Thailand has any tourism left. The country is very dirty in every sense.

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He added that the loss in the industry should remain at a low level of nearly 2.2 million baht,

Seems they just cant help themselves lying...so if I reading this correct the protests have only lost USD +/-65k in lost revenue ????

I am calling BS on this number, talk about spin doctoring

Maybe he forgot to include that was the hourly loss ?

It is heart-warming to see that Yingluck has something like tourism suggestions to occupy her mind. After all, she was too busy to meet the farmers, so this must have been what she was preoccupied with. No better image to leave visitors to the country than to demonstrate greater respect for them than for her own people and what her policies have put them through.

It is heart-warming to see that Yingluck has something like tourism suggestions to occupy her mind. After all, she was too busy to meet the farmers, so this must have been what she was preoccupied with. No better image to leave visitors to the country than to demonstrate greater respect for them than for her own people and what her policies have put them through.

She is trying to encourage tourists back, charge them a THB 500 entry fee......get some money to pay the rice farmers....

No worries, I will still fly to Thailand this month.

I was talking to a guy in Singapore the other day and he intended to come here to do business but had to pay an incredibly high travel insurance owing to the SOE.

He ended up having a meeting at Suvarnaphumi Airport and flew back again.

So it's not only fear but economy keeping people away.

"Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others."

.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

They should try convincing us they are fit to Govern the bloody country before they start chirping on about 'all is well' !

2.2 m Baht, thats about a dozen families!

Do they really think that foreigners are blind and stupid! Jeeez!

He added that the loss in the industry should remain at a low level of nearly 2.2 million baht,

Seems they just cant help themselves lying...so if I reading this correct the protests have only lost USD +/-65k in lost revenue ????

I am calling BS on this number, talk about spin doctoring

Wouldn't that be a typo (or poor reporting) and it should be 2.2 Billion?

If 2.2 million Big Brother for sure would have instructed her to pay it out of

someone else's pocket.

Free health insurance and 500bts is the starter, now let get down to business............do I hear 1000bts..................2000bts..............and you khun,,,,,,,,,,,,3000bts?

Phuket is packed...Can hardly walk.....Mistake coming here for few days...Never again in season. MS.

Nevertheless, Mr. Somsak admitted that many nations are suffering "shockwave effect" after the Thai government declared the State of Emergency in Bangkok last month. Many countries have advised their citizens to avoid travels to Thailand as a result, he noted.

It might not have occurred to this inept bunch, but ending this ridiculous SOE might help a bit.

Why has she told Mr. Somsak to talk to the police? What the hell have they got to do with the ministry of tourism and sport? Is she really on the same planet as the rest of us or has she started taking Charlems ear medicine as well to stop weird voices coming from Dubai?

All they need do is put up some photos from the protest sites taken in the day. Hardly anyone left now other than some stall owners selling souvenirs next to a free concert by local musicians. Just promote it as some new Bangkok street music festival.

New scheme from YL and the PTP. Come to Thailand. All is well. Ignore our SOE just make sure your money isnt spent on businesses owned by the Dem party. If you paid money for your visa we will give you back double on your second trip. But if we see you wearing a yellow shirt we will have to detain and deport you. Enjoy your stay and praise YL for her generosity! (This joke for those too stupid to know better

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Nevertheless, Mr. Somsak admitted that many nations are suffering "shockwave effect" after the Thai government declared the State of Emergency in Bangkok last month. Many countries have advised their citizens to avoid travels to Thailand as a result, he noted.

"Foreigners are frightened," the Minister said.

In order to remedy the situation, Ms. Yingluck urged the Ministry to help the tourism enterprises via several schemes, such as developing the existing tourist attraction, creating new attractions, and devising a plan for administration of special tourism zones in historical attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Madam PM is living in 'LaLa Land' if she thinks her suggestions will cause tourists to visit a, government described, war zone. Tourist will get over their fear if only Thailand develops the existing tourist attraction, creats new attractions, and devises a plan for administration of special tourism zones in historical attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites. How simple-minded.

LOL. What a freaking idiot

"Govt To Convince Foreign Tourists All Is Well"

Another lie...

Is there a doctor in the house?

Really, you don't go fishing for the slightest little morsel of good news (especially if it ain't there) when you can see the whole country burning down around you, do you Yingluck? This is PR madness. The reality is that there is nothing left to salvage from this government. Nothing. Nero-fiddle. It appalls me that that Yingluck is clutching at such desperate straws. Trying to put a spin on the situation and thinking anyone can believe there are any kinds of "positive" in this situation. Sorry, Yingluck, but your brother would appear to have deserted you and left you to be handled by incompetent minions who are trying (to their credit) to retain your dignity. Your brother has stolen your dignity, however.

Thailand the HUB of "all is well"