Is Thailand really losing Russian arrivals?

[webfact]

Is Thailand really losing Russian arrivals?
Anton Makhrov


Sunbathers on a Crimean beach. Photo Vyacheslav Argenberg

PHUKET: -- The news about the decrease in Russian arrivals to Thailand prompted an active discussion in social media last week with Thai nationals and foreign residents alike sharing their views of Russians as a tourists.

The war of words turned out to be fierce enough for all sides to forget about the main topic: the decrease in Russian arrivals and thus in the revenue of the Thai tourism industry.

According to Kasikorn Research Center in 2014 Thailand will see 1.65 million visitors from Russia – 5.5 per cent down from 1.75 million last year. Is this a scary figure for the industry?

The answer is yes and no. The drop alone is not dramatic. But things are not looking bright if what we see is just a beginning of a long-term negative trend. So let us have a closer look at the figures and the factors behind them.

Both Russian and Thai state agencies have already admitted that 2014 is a tough year for Thai tourism. Political disturbances followed by martial law, the coup and curfew hit the arrivals greatly.

Most significantly, all those events took place during the high season from November to May. And the 5.5 per cent drop in Russian arrivals can be explained by the consequences of the negative factors listed above.

Russian tour companies were strongly advised by the Russian authorities to cancel or limit trips to Bangkok and that affected the figures. At the same time Phuket benefited from all the disturbance simply because companies and their clients switched to this destination instead of places perceived as risky.

So 5.5 per cent is a reasonable drop nationwide. In Phuket the drop was less than the national one so now it is time to regain the losses with the new high season coming and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) guaranteeing safety.

Taking all these observations into account the future of Phuket tourism looks bright.

There remains, however, a list of Russian "domestic" factors that Thai authorities have no way of influencing.

This year Russian authorities started promoting domestic tourism, notably at Sochi (with its Olympic facilities) and Crimea (desperately needing to replace lost Ukrainian tourist arrivals). Both resorts can hardly be listed among Thailand’s competitors in the November-to-May season (most of it winter in these places), but have been able to replace it in case of urgent need.

Russia’s economy has been badly hit by the consequences of the Ukrainian conflict and the sanctions imposed by the USA and EU. The Russian currency has dropped significantly against both the USD and the Euro -- and the Thai baht. It is widely recognised that leisure and travel expenses are among the first to be cut when people need to save money.

The wave of bankruptcies among Russian tour companies has made people less confident about their safety wile travelling abroad (let alone the negative effect for the industry proper).

A new tax on international flights is being currently discussed in Russia. If accepted it will significantly increase the cost of a vacation in Thailand, thus making domestic destinations more attractive.

Another proposal being discussed presupposes compensation of up to 50 per cent of travel expenses for those choosing domestic resorts. And if these two drafts are accepted as law it will definitely effect international tourism.

None of the five factors alone can threaten Thailand. Separately they are harmless and could not even result in another 5.5 per cent drop. But if combined, they could cause real problems for Thailand.

Just a simple example: Nowadays it is cheaper for a person from Siberia to fly to Thailand than to Sochi. But if overall incomes go down, international flight costs climb and government compensation become real, the possibility of taking advantage of government support and spending Christmas in Russia becomes a definite threat to Thailand. Though not this season, one hopes.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/is-thailand-really-losing-russian-arrivals-48647.php


-- Phuket News 2014-09-10

[NongKhaiKid]

Please listen to TAT for the definitive word, nothing is wrong, numbers are not down and TAT's efforts / promotions are making tourists flock back.

On the other hand ... !

[JeremyBowskill]

The only thing I take from this is the Ruble might possibly be worth looking at buying...........

Edited September 10, 2014 by JeremyBowskill

[DrLom]

Is Thailand really losing Russian arrivals?

Depends upon whether or not the PM clamps down on Russian mafia, in places like Pattaya, does it not?

[tbthailand]

and does anybody really care?

[theslime]

and does anybody really care?

Beautiful Youthful Russian girlfriends, I can Dream.

[givenall]

All the confusing immigration rule changes and bad publicity regarding scams and attacks are taking its toll regardless of announcement by TAT which is a publicity stunt.

[Fiddlesticks]

Is Thailand really losing Russian arrivals?

Let's hope so!

[chotthee]

I am sure this will help to un-promote.

http://www.richardbarrow.com/2014/09/the-beach-vendor-video/

[WhizBang]

Is Thailand really losing Russian arrivals?

Let's hope so!

Absolutely agreed. Definately some of the pushiest, rudest and obnoxious people I have encountered in a long time.

[ratcatcher]

and does anybody really care?

Beautiful Youthful Russian girlfriends, I can Dream.

Well then, off to the Crimea with you and enjoy the Russian babes.

[Bulldozer Dawn]

The ruble/baht exchange rate has no bearing on arrivals.

The immigration crackdowners would have us believe that all of them come here to work illegally anyway.

So they are spending baht not rubles.

[ParadiseLost]

1. For many years, allow "visa-runs" and let tourists exit and re-enter the country to obtain another 30/15 days.

2. Count "visa-runners" as tourist arrivals, inflating tourist numbers.

3. Clamp down on "visa-runners" and end border hops for visa exempt tourists.

4. Express concern that tourist arrivals have dropped 5.5%

TIT

[laurentbkk]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

[ratcatcher]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

And of course as a frog, you are familiar with the convivial way they carry on in their seaside resort of Pattayajetski?

[bkkjames]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

And of course as a frog, you are familiar with the convivial way they carry on in their seaside resort of Pattayajetski?

Give him his moment in the sun RC - he appears to enjoy it.

[tomacht8]

Visitors from Russia – 5.5 per cent down.

I doubt the number, only 5,5 % down.
There are far fewer Russian tourists this year here.

[chotthee]

Imaginary Russian as always sexy as in the picture above.

The real one is Pattaya are mostly old, fat, urgy.

Worst of all, they are so cheap stake, they refuse to even pay for a beach chair, and thinks that Thai beach are for free! This is Thailand, not Freeland.

The Germans are different.

They don't mind pay for the whole day (shade + chair), but only stay for half and hour.

[Jingthing]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

I hear your opinion, but I am curious if you actually live in a place where the majority of people you are surrounded with everyday have been Russian tourists for YEARS. Because if not, it's hard to see how such a person could have an INFORMED opinion about Russian tourist behavior (as a generality) in Thailand.

This post written in Jomtienski, Thailussia

Edited September 10, 2014 by Jingthing

[ChrisY1]

1. For many years, allow "visa-runs" and let tourists exit and re-enter the country to obtain another 30/15 days.

2. Count "visa-runners" as tourist arrivals, inflating tourist numbers.

3. Clamp down on "visa-runners" and end border hops for visa exempt tourists.

4. Express concern that tourist arrivals have dropped 5.5%

TIT

Yes....more figures like this and we might see border runs being allowed to operate again

[ldnguy]

Please listen to TAT for the definitive word, nothing is wrong, numbers are not down and TAT's efforts / promotions are making tourists flock back.

On the other hand ... !

Don't you get bored with repeating the same nonsense all the time?

[ldnguy]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

Well said. The racist attitudes on this forum are pretty shocking sometimes. Moderators seem to think it's ok even if it's against the forum rules.

[alocacoc]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

I hear your opinion, but I am curious if you actually live in a place where the majority of people you are surrounded with everyday have been Russian tourists for YEARS. Because if not, it's hard to see how such a person could have an INFORMED opinion about Russian tourist behavior (as a generality) in Thailand.

This post written in Jomtienski, Thailussia

I live since years in Jomtien. We have here a lot of Russians. So, what kind of problem should i have with them?

Thanks to member laurentbkk for his posting.

[NongKhaiKid]

Please listen to TAT for the definitive word, nothing is wrong, numbers are not down and TAT's efforts / promotions are making tourists flock back.

On the other hand ... !

Don't you get bored with repeating the same nonsense all the time?

Not at all, do you ?

[laurentbkk]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

And of course as a frog, you are familiar with the convivial way they carry on in their seaside resort of Pattayajetski?

Give him his moment in the sun RC - he appears to enjoy it.

defenetely more than listening some frustrated sexpat winning all the time about Russian

[laurentbkk]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

I hear your opinion, but I am curious if you actually live in a place where the majority of people you are surrounded with everyday have been Russian tourists for YEARS. Because if not, it's hard to see how such a person could have an INFORMED opinion about Russian tourist behavior (as a generality) in Thailand.

This post written in Jomtienski, Thailussia

well I can reply to you , I have been to Russia over 23 times in the last decade , 21 years living in Thailand and been surrounded by many nationalities , the behavior of Russian tourists is not worse than any other nationalities ... judging people or a country only on the fact that you live in pattaya is disgraceful .. dont think you are better than anyone you are only a guest in Thailand like the rest of all the farang here

[laurentbkk]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

And of course as a frog, you are familiar with the convivial way they carry on in their seaside resort of Pattayajetski?

and of course as a rosbeef you probably have all the answers .

[Jingthing]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

I hear your opinion, but I am curious if you actually live in a place where the majority of people you are surrounded with everyday have been Russian tourists for YEARS. Because if not, it's hard to see how such a person could have an INFORMED opinion about Russian tourist behavior (as a generality) in Thailand.

This post written in Jomtienski, Thailussia

well I can reply to you , I have been to Russia over 23 times in the last decade , 21 years living in Thailand and been surrounded by many nationalities , the behavior of Russian tourists is not worse than any other nationalities ... judging people or a country only on the fact that you live in pattaya is disgraceful .. dont think you are better than anyone you are only a guest in Thailand like the rest of all the farang here

It sounds like your answer to my question is no. Thanks for that. Resorting to a stereotypical Pattaya bashing (have you been here in the last 20 years?) is predictable, cheap, and just stupid. Hilarious, too. Lectures about criticizing people based on superficial things like nationality and then you drop the idiotic Pattaya bash bomb. I'll just ignore your future comments ... clearly an extremely biased, non-objective POV from you.

Yes, BTW, actually the behavior of the Russians IS worse here than other nationalities, as a generality. So much homophobia. So little regard for other people's space. So much AGGRESSIVE PUSHING and line jumping. So much gruffness and overt unfriendliness. So little interest in any other group than other Russians.

I will be VERY HAPPY if the dominance in Russian numbers goes down. I don't think there is a problem when they are like 25 percent of tourists here. But when more than 60 percent, there is a problem, unless you are one of them and like that kind of atmosphere.

Edited September 10, 2014 by Jingthing

[rijit]

I hope Russian will choose another place , when you see how they are treated in this forum by some sexpat thinking they are better than anyone else ...and who define themselves as more Thai than Thais , I would rather be friend with a Russian than a narrow minded arrogant Brit or yank who think he is someone in here but in fact is not better than anyone else. Pathetic ....

I hear your opinion, but I am curious if you actually live in a place where the majority of people you are surrounded with everyday have been Russian tourists for YEARS. Because if not, it's hard to see how such a person could have an INFORMED opinion about Russian tourist behavior (as a generality) in Thailand.

This post written in Jomtienski, Thailussia

well I can reply to you , I have been to Russia over 23 times in the last decade , 21 years living in Thailand and been surrounded by many nationalities , the behavior of Russian tourists is not worse than any other nationalities ... judging people or a country only on the fact that you live in pattaya is disgraceful .. dont think you are better than anyone you are only a guest in Thailand like the rest of all the farang here

I'm not anti Russian, I just prefer people who arn't loud, rude, racist, narrow minded and ignorant.

[ezzra]

They must have found a new place to stick their tentacles in...

I for one, will not miss them one bit.... Dosvidaniya