Tourism sector urges formation of new govt soon

[Lite Beer]

Tourism sector urges formation of new govt soon
Suchat Sritama
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The tourism sector has called for the urgent formation of a new government to lure back tourists so the industry can continue to grow.

"We need to have a new government as soon as we possible. If not, there would be nobody to deal with and we eventually would suffer a greater negative impact," said Pornthip Hirunkate, vice president of Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT).

The military on Thursday declared a coup and curfew that rocked the inbound tourism industry. Tourists around the world have been advised to consider their security before visiting the Kingdom.

"More than 50 nations have already issued travel warnings to avoid visiting the country. Among these, Hong Kong raised the warning to the top level," Pornthip said.

"Furthermore, tourists, even from long-haul markets like the US, Canada, the United Kingdom and some other Europe countries, have postponed their trips."

A lot of business and leisure tourists have reportedly cancelled trips to Thailand this week.

The TCT, however, believes that the sector could record growth this year if a new government is put in place quickly and confidence in Thailand as a safe destination returns.

The council said next month's Thailand Travel Mart in Bangkok was a chance for the industry to shine.

According to Pornthip, tourism has suffered since the last coup in 2006 while other political issues, including the airport shutdown and street protests, have also had an impact, as did the severe floods in 2011. Despite that, the number of arrivals has continued to grow.

In 2006, Thailand received 13.8 million tourists. By 2013, the number of visitors had risen to 26.7 million, an increase of 19.6 per cent.

It is also worth noting that overseas arrivals to Thailand increased 20 per cent in 2006 compared to 2005.

The tourism sector quickly recovered from the 2004 tsunami disaster that affected many beach resorts, including Phuket and Phang-nga.

"In Bangkok, the streets appear slightly quieter than usual and the general mood of the city seems calm," Pornthip said.

"But everyone in the country, especially in the tourism sector, hopes military rule is lifted soon and democracy restored."

-- The Nation 2014-05-24

[LuckyLew]

Must be a lo0t of pissed of tourists in Thailand right now

You work hard, save money all year, plan and plot a great trip to Thailand

Your big trip is finally in full swing .... and Kaboom ....

Now must be in room by 10pm

Gotta be a lot of angry tourists in Thailand

I know I would be mad as heck

[NongKhaiKid]

Yes get a govt in fast so TAT can hold a promotion ' Come To LoS And See The New Govt '.

Tourists will flock back.

[noitom]

They want the "formation" of a new government, not elections of the popular majority. Then they want to return to their old tricks of "luring" tourists.

[Somtamnication]

Well, tourism works well in the UK. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2637236/Thailand-junta-Please-change-soundtrack.html

[kalbo123]

In 2006, Thailand received 13.8 million tourists. By 2013, the number of visitors had risen to 26.7 million, an increase of 19.6 per cent.

Please go back to school TAT!

Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met behulp van Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[leggo]

All the other Aesean countries will benefit and none of them will be so bent on screwing up their tourist businesses as much as the Thais are with their filthy over polluted seaside resorts, rip off shopping malls , and horrendous safety records. The only thing that makes Thailand palpable is their people and to be honest its the poorest among them that come out best!

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[noitom]

Which Thai general is in charge of tourism?

[IMA_FARANG]

Must be a lo0t of pissed of tourists in Thailand right now

You work hard, save money all year, plan and plot a great trip to Thailand

Your big trip is finally in full swing .... and Kaboom ....

Now must be in room by 10pm

Gotta be a lot of angry tourists in Thailand

I know I would be mad as heck

----------------------------

Well I don't want that!

I hope the martial law lasts at least a couple more weeks.

And I hope that makes a lot of those tourists angry and they cancel their trips to Thailand.

Let me explain why.

For to long now the Tourism industry has been ripping off those who come to Thailand as Tourists.

Overcharging, tourist scams, and price gouging of Tourists has become so commonplace that the Thai just assume that is what a Tourist is for.

We who live here in Thailand on a long term stay are (to be truthful) often ashamed of those who are "tourists" from our home country here in our adopted country, Thailand.

Don't you "tourists" know that you are simply regarded by many Thais working in the "tourist industry" as little more than 'walking wallets" and "mobile ATM cards" by many Thais?

Many Thais regard "tourists" as simply fools from a foreign land.... and stupid to pay what you do for the same thing a Thai pays half as much for.

Many Thais laugh at you, "tourists".

So, as far as I'm concerned, a week or two of hardship for both tourist operators and tourists alike might be just the sharp, short awakening that is needed to shock the "tourist industry" back into reality.

And the tourists also.

At least I would like to see that happen.

[slipperylobster]

Hah... the tourists are stuck...most can't even leave, as they prebooked.

Even a border run sounds iffy.

No full moon parties...babies, that's what I am talking about.

[FangFerang]

The TCT, however, believes that the sector could record growth this year if a new government is put in place quickly and confidence in Thailand as a safe destination returns.

Nope. Confidence is deeply shaken worldwide (whether justified or not is beside the point).

TCT seems most adept at creative bookkeeping. The tourism sector is screwed this year.

"Whoops there goes another rubber tree, whoops there goes another rubber tree, whoops there goes another rubber tree plant," (Suthep is singing in his new luxury accommodations). His roommate Jutaporn is singing "Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it seems as though they're here to stay...oh, I believe in yesterday..."

[CaptainPeacock]

Now must be in room by 10pm

...well last night the military announced on Television 11:00pm to 5:00am

I wonder if they'll extend to midnight tonight ?

I do hope so as...I want to visit the tilack dog bar in the cowboy

Edited May 24, 2014 by CaptainPeacock

[Benmart]

Must be a lo0t of pissed of tourists in Thailand right now

You work hard, save money all year, plan and plot a great trip to Thailand

Your big trip is finally in full swing .... and Kaboom ....

Now must be in room by 10pm

Gotta be a lot of angry tourists in Thailand

I know I would be mad as heck

If they have the resources, perhaps they could check out neighboring countries. if I were in this position, I would certainly look into it.

[Somtamnication]

The TAT is one of the most positive groups I have ever heard of. They need to open an office in Iraq and teach those guys how to be.

[londonthai]

Did they. mention an election?

[marko kok prong]

Everyone is mentioning Tat here,the article clearly states it is their brothers in Tct making this statement,it seems they are locked in competition as too who can come up with the most delusional announcements.

[JoeLing]

........ with their filthy over polluted seaside resorts, .......

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Are this the polluted beaches you're talking about?

Suppose you must only have been in Pattaya, Phuket or some other ghettos and you

have not traveled much around in this beautiful country, if you believe Thailand consists

only of polluted beaches but please, keep that myth going, at least that will keep our

beaches quiet and clean for an other 50 years..

You're right, Thailand is such a horrible place. Should really warn all those shoppers,

Jetski enthusiasts, deck chair fanatics, ping-pong admirers to go somewhere else and

leave this place alone and we who enjoy this place, will have many more years to come

without huge hotels taking away our beautiful views, without unconsidered, rude tourists

ruining this places.

Hope you have a good flight back home as you're probably not staying in this filthy,

over polluted and horrendous "shit hole" full of rip-off's.

[Thailand]

There is a government,with lots of senior ministers with military experience, all in new jobs so you must give them time. Army will be in charge of trekking. Navy - white river rafting, Air Force - hot air ballooning.

I wonder if they will get their military pay and a ministers income now, must be a huge workload but they do have to be compensated for their additional duties.

[leggo]

........ with their filthy over polluted seaside resorts, .......

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Are this the polluted beaches you're talking about?

polution.png

Suppose you must only have been in Pattaya, Phuket or some other ghettos and you

have not traveled much around in this beautiful country, if you believe Thailand consists

only of polluted beaches but please, keep that myth going, at least that will keep our

beaches quiet and clean for an other 50 years..

You're right, Thailand is such a horrible place. Should really warn all those shoppers,

Jetski enthusiasts, deck chair fanatics, ping-pong admirers to go somewhere else and

leave this place alone and we who enjoy this place, will have many more years to come

without huge hotels taking away our beautiful views, without unconsidered, rude tourists

ruining this places.

Hope you have a good flight back home as you're probably not staying in this filthy,

over polluted and horrendous "shit hole" full of rip-off's.

sorry to tell you but I arrived in Jomtien Beach in 1983 when it was really beautiful - Karon beach in Phuket was a paradise and there were only a couple of small hut hotels there. You might feel the same if all the places that were once so beautiful had been destroyed. Koh Samet used to be a real tropical island now its covered in plastic bags (well it was when I went to see the family at Xmas)- of course there are places that remain untouched and beautiful but most of what I will always remember has been totally overdeveloped- but when you are 70 years old like me you hanker for the old Thailand! And no I'm not about to get on a flight home - this is where I live but that doesn't mean that I am not entitled to my own opinion.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited May 24, 2014 by leggo

[JoeLing]

........ with their filthy over polluted seaside resorts, .......

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Are this the polluted beaches you're talking about?

polution.png

Suppose you must only have been in Pattaya, Phuket or some other ghettos and you

have not traveled much around in this beautiful country, if you believe Thailand consists

only of polluted beaches but please, keep that myth going, at least that will keep our

beaches quiet and clean for an other 50 years..

You're right, Thailand is such a horrible place. Should really warn all those shoppers,

Jetski enthusiasts, deck chair fanatics, ping-pong admirers to go somewhere else and

leave this place alone and we who enjoy this place, will have many more years to come

without huge hotels taking away our beautiful views, without unconsidered, rude tourists

ruining this places.

Hope you have a good flight back home as you're probably not staying in this filthy,

over polluted and horrendous "shit hole" full of rip-off's.

sorry to tell you but I arrived in Jomtien Beach in 1983 when it was really beautiful - Karon beach in Phuket was a paradise and there were only a couple of small hut hotels there. You might feel the same if all the places that were once so beautiful had been destroyed. Koh Samet used to be a real tropical island now its covered in plastic bags (well it was when I went to see the family at Xmas)- of course there are places that remain untouched and beautiful but most of what I will always remember has been totally overdeveloped- but when you are 70 years old like me you hanker for the old Thailand! And no I'm not about to get on a flight home - this is where I live but that doesn't mean that I am not entitled to my own opinion.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yeah sure, just as I said, Phuket, Pattaya and the other ghettos.

Your not the only one, me too had the pleasure to see what Phuket, Kao Lak, Phi Phi, Phattaya

or Koh Samet looked like in 1978. Kao Lak had around 30 families living of fishing and diving of

shore for tin bearing sand. The stench of drying fish was so intense, no one would want to stay

very long. Koh Phangan and Koh Tao together had just about 250 inhabitants compared to over

50'000 inhabitants alone on Koh Phangan today.

They all have become tourist enclaves with all the negativity and problems you'll find in any tourist

ghetto around the world. But, they are just a very small percentage of all the other beautiful and

unspoiled places you'll find even today in Thailand but, one still needs to travel a bit away from the

expat areas, tourist conveyor belts or industrial places.

So at your age, with such a long Thailand experience, why are you still sitting in one of those

shit-holes and complain? Why haven't you found one of those thousands of places here in Thailand

where the beaches are still clean, the sea crystal clear, pollution not really a problem. Where Thai

people are still generous, friendly and unbiased towards us farang?

Suppose we all are getting old . Me too, will say every so often 'Back in time things used to be

better" but so did my dad, my grand dad and my grand-grand dad once they got over the age of 60

but that is no excuse to call an entire country a shit hole

BTW - Phuket or Samui where even 35 years ago already "shit-holes", they even served burgers

and french fries with Ketchup back then. No, not places I would ever have considered to settle

down as one could predict already then, that they will be completely ruined 20 years later.

// edited double wording

Edited May 24, 2014 by JoeLing

[leggo]

........ with their filthy over polluted seaside resorts, .......

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Are this the polluted beaches you're talking about?

polution.png

Suppose you must only have been in Pattaya, Phuket or some other ghettos and you

have not traveled much around in this beautiful country, if you believe Thailand consists

only of polluted beaches but please, keep that myth going, at least that will keep our

beaches quiet and clean for an other 50 years..

You're right, Thailand is such a horrible place. Should really warn all those shoppers,

Jetski enthusiasts, deck chair fanatics, ping-pong admirers to go somewhere else and

leave this place alone and we who enjoy this place, will have many more years to come

without huge hotels taking away our beautiful views, without unconsidered, rude tourists

ruining this places.

Hope you have a good flight back home as you're probably not staying in this filthy,

over polluted and horrendous "shit hole" full of rip-off's.

sorry to tell you but I arrived in Jomtien Beach in 1983 when it was really beautiful - Karon beach in Phuket was a paradise and there were only a couple of small hut hotels there. You might feel the same if all the places that were once so beautiful had been destroyed. Koh Samet used to be a real tropical island now its covered in plastic bags (well it was when I went to see the family at Xmas)- of course there are places that remain untouched and beautiful but most of what I will always remember has been totally overdeveloped- but when you are 70 years old like me you hanker for the old Thailand! And no I'm not about to get on a flight home - this is where I live but that doesn't mean that I am not entitled to my own opinion.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yeah sure, just as I said, Phuket, Pattaya and the other ghettos.

Your not the only one, me too had the pleasure to see what Phuket, Kao Lak, Phi Phi, Phattaya

or Koh Samet looked like in 1978. Kao Lak had around 30 families living of fishing and diving of

shore for tin bearing sand. The stench of drying fish was so intense, no one would want to stay

very long. Koh Phangan and Koh Tao together had just about 250 inhabitants compared to over

50'000 inhabitants alone on Koh Phangan today.

They all have become tourist enclaves with all the negativity and problems you'll find in any tourist

ghetto around the world. But, they are just a very small percentage of all the other beautiful and

unspoiled places you'll find even today in Thailand but, one still needs to travel a bit away from the

expat areas, tourist conveyor belts or industrial places.

So at your age, with such a long Thailand experience, why are you still sitting in one of those

shit-holes and complain? Why haven't you found one of those thousands of places here in Thailand

where the beaches are still clean, the sea crystal clear, pollution not really a problem. Where Thai

people are still generous, friendly and unbiased towards us farang?

Suppose we all are getting old . Me too, will say every so often 'Back in time things used to be

better" but so did my dad, my grand dad and my grand-grand dad once they got over the age of 60

but that is no excuse to call an entire country a shit hole

BTW - Phuket or Samui where even 35 years ago already "shit-holes", they even served burgers

and french fries with Ketchup back then. No, not places I would ever have considered to settle

down as one could predict already then, that they will be completely ruined 20 years later.

// edited double wording

Who says I am living in one of those places, actually I don't and I find Thais some of the friendliest people in the world - never have any problems but most people who come to Thailand don't speak Thai and few rarely see the Thailand we know - that's why I l live in a place where there isn't a farang population; personally can't stand the tourists who go to all the places you mentioned who have no understanding of the Thai culture. I am a retired surfer who likes nature and laid back people so I hide away far from the maddening crowd when I can. BUT all this overdevelopment, greed and scamming is slowly eroding the landscape! And the topic here is Thai tourism!

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited May 24, 2014 by leggo

[tomyummer]

Just like clockwork, the rates of hotels have gone up overnight for hotels outside of Bangkok, while hotels in Bangkok drop.

[3NUMBAS]

its sinking anyway so BKK is on its last legs for tourists ,in 10-20 years an uninhabitable wreck

[leggo]

I am off to the capital for a jolly on the long weekend and some of the 4 stars are on offer for 1500 a night including breakko - bargain - I can eat 500 bhts worth!

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Tomtomtom69]

Must be a lo0t of pissed of tourists in Thailand right now

You work hard, save money all year, plan and plot a great trip to Thailand

Your big trip is finally in full swing .... and Kaboom ....

Now must be in room by 10pm

Gotta be a lot of angry tourists in Thailand

I know I would be mad as heck

Sure but there was plenty of warning about this. If drinking, dancing and partying are so important to people then why not go somewhere where there's no political problems like Cambodia, Malaysia or Vietnam? All these countries have good bars, clubs and other places to have a drink. I don't see why Thailand is so special....oh wait...it's not.