Koh Tao tourism tumbles


Sairee beach, Koh Tao. Photo David Sim.

BANGKOK: The Tourism Council of Thailand say the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao had caused bookings to fall dramatically in the short-term for this popular dive destination.

TCT president, Piyamarn Techapaibul, said tourism bookings to Koh Tao slowed down soon after news of the murders broke in the international press.

“The incident should be taken as a warning that all relevant agencies need to be vigilant in providing a safe environment for visitors and tourists themselves need to be vigilant at all times to ensure their own safety.”

The president added that the horrific murders of two young travellers would have an impact on the country’s tourism sector in the short term.

Authorities continue their investigation under considerable pressure from Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha.

“There has been progress in the investigation and the joint effort by the private and public sectors on the island are regulating migrant workers to restore tourists’ confidence,” she said.

However, migrant workers were not the prime suspects after a failure to find DNA matches. The investigations are now focusing on Thai suspects.

According to Dusit Poll released earlier this week, 84.05 per cent of 1,229 respondents said the case would have a very negative impact on the country’s tourism image.

Also, 83.16 per cent of those interviewed urged the authority to reorganise regulations in tourist destinations, tighten safety and security measures and increase patrols by local polices and volunteers.

CCTV has been a useful tool in the current investigation and there are calls for increased CCTV cover at all tourist destinations especially near beaches.

The poll showed that 80.47 per cent wanted authorities to strictly enforce the law, while 75.67 per cent said tourists should also take care of themselves and avoid risky areas, such as remote areas of beaches after dark.

In addition, 69.49 per cent suggested destinations needed to warn and educate visitors of the risks and also increase surveillance.

The poll was conducted between 16 to 20 September.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/koh-tao-tourism-tumbles-48924.php


-- Phuket News 2014-09-29

Another change of story, now it's Thai suspects but it's a tourist organisation not the BIB speaking.

Thainess - too many spokespeople spoil the broth, the story and everything else but at least everyone gets their 15 minutes.

What else to expect? And doubt the polls look much better after 9 days of nothing has passed.

"The poll showed that 80.47 per cent wanted authorities to strictly enforce the law"

Could be the best idea ever!

Just feel ashamed on behalf of the victims parents and relatives.

What a shambles and what an unprofessional handling of the situation.

Thailand should be ashamed also.

I think Thais understand Karma. Catch and convict the perpetrators and things might get better.

“The incident should be taken as a warning that all relevant agencies need to be vigilant in providing a safe environment for visitors and tourists themselves need to be vigilant at all times to ensure their own safety.”

NO! The incident should be taken as a warning to arrest the right people and make a MASSIVE public statement about it. There is little doubt who committed this crime and until EVERYBODY who was on the island that night has agreed to give a DNA sample people should continue to boycott the island. The simple fact is that if you go to Koh Tao you are supporting the very structure that has allowed this pathetic situation to arise.

"all relevant agencies need to be vigilant in providing a safe environment for visitors"

should read providing a safe environment FULL STOP. The problems themselves need to be address, mafia, drugs, poverty, etc. Not just keep building walls between the Thais and visitors so the visitors can stay alive long enough to empty their wallets.

Thainess, It's All about the Money Only

Another change of story, now it's Thai suspects but it's a tourist organisation not the BIB speaking.

Thainess - too many spokespeople spoil the broth, the story and everything else but at least everyone gets their 15 minutes.

Doesn't really matter what all the "experts" have to say about suspects, whether Thai, Asian, farang, or Martians, seems with the ineffective police force / approach / fumbled investigation it is unlikely it will ever be known, even with a "result" can we be sure it is the actual villains.

I won't be going back to Koh Tao any time soon. It's not that I think other island destinations are any better with regards to corruption and mafia types. It's just that I can't go there in good conscience after seeing how such a tragic situation is being handled.

Good news at long last. Thailand has been so used to brushing crimes and investigations under the carpet that they feel they can get away with murder. The way to a thai persons heart and mind is through their wallets/purses and if tourists stop going to the islands then you can be sure that the thais will rectify their behaviour and bring the culprits to justice.

The police investigation has been an absolute shambles and from the outside looking in, it does appear that they are trying to protect vested interests and "thainess" on the whole. Blaming multiple suspects who are burmese and european is just their uneducated way of muddying the waters so that nothing appears transparent. By my reckoning I would suggest thai logic is quite clearly opaque and cannot be questioned for fear that they will lose face.

It is high time that thai people and the government accept that a part of thainess is that they feel they can do whatever they want without recrimination based on the knowledge that if the foreigners dont like it then they should go home. I would strongly suggest that tourists would consider holidaying somewhere else where they will be treated with a lot more respect and let the thais learn the hardest lesson of all.

JAF

Good. Could you imagine anywhere else in the world where 2 young people are brutally murdered and raped and the only concern that the authorities have is that it won't disrupt the foreigners coming here and spending their money all the while the 2 rapist and murders are still walking free dispite the police having their DNA?

I hope that the world never forgets the brief insight into the Thai mindset this horrific case has given them.

I used to be proud to say I lived here but now I always advise people to stay away when they tell me they are thinking about taking a holiday in Thailand. I cannot wait to leave with my family next year.

Thailand really doesn't deserve everything it has but it deserves everything it gets.

impact on the country’s tourism sector in the short term. (time)

What else to expect? And doubt the polls look much better after 9 days of nothing has passed.

"The poll showed that 80.47 per cent wanted authorities to strictly enforce the law"

Could be the best idea ever!

Unfortunately the remaining 19.53% part is the one with enough money to pay the BIB not to enforce the law.

Seems to me that the PM is getting some heat from abroad... think he will realise that the bad guys need to be caught. I'm expecting him to toss the old ledger in the fire, and start from scratch. Think we'll see some credible justice yet in this case. (I LOL'ed Regarding increasing patrols, that would not be hard... they'd only have to do one for any kind of increase. In 30 years, I have never seen a police party patrolling the beach, other than hiding in the bushes to bust someone smoking pot.

Just feel ashamed on behalf of the victims parents and relatives.

What a shambles and what an unprofessional handling of the situation.

Thailand should be ashamed also.

Costas can I remind you of a very nasty case back in the UK at the moment. A missing, presumed dead 14 year old young girl where the police know everything about the prime suspect. Even down to he has already served a prison sentence for murder in his home country of Latvia yet was allowed to simply walk into the UK and stay. The head of Scotland Yard has just admitted they are clueless as to where the man is and that if he has left the UK he is virtually a free man. For some bizarre reason they haven't even issued an EU arrest warrant either.

Crime detection, especially murder isn't so easily solved like it is on the TV and incompetent police are worldwide and not just here in Thailand as most people are alluring to.

Yes mistakes have been made but that may just be because this type of crime is a rarity here.

I'm still hoping for a good outcome and am not ready to start Thai bashing just yet

The incident should be taken as a warning that all relevant agencies need to be vigilant in providing a safe environment for visitors and tourists themselves need to be vigilant at all times to ensure their own safety.

NO! The incident should be taken as a warning to arrest the right people and make a MASSIVE public statement about it. There is little doubt who committed this crime and until EVERYBODY who was on the island that night has agreed to give a DNA sample people should continue to boycott the island. The simple fact is that if you go to Koh Tao you are supporting the very structure that has allowed this pathetic situation to arise.

It's not a warning.

It is literally a life or death issue.

Just feel ashamed on behalf of the victims parents and relatives.

What a shambles and what an unprofessional handling of the situation.

Thailand should be ashamed also.

Costas can I remind you of a very nasty case back in the UK at the moment. A missing, presumed dead 14 year old young girl where the police know everything about the prime suspect. Even down to he has already served a prison sentence for murder in his home country of Latvia yet was allowed to simply walk into the UK and stay. The head of Scotland Yard has just admitted they are clueless as to where the man is and that if he has left the UK he is virtually a free man. For some bizarre reason they haven't even issued an EU arrest warrant either.

Crime detection, especially murder isn't so easily solved like it is on the TV and incompetent police are worldwide and not just here in Thailand as most people are alluring to.

Yes mistakes have been made but that may just be because this type of crime is a rarity here.

I'm still hoping for a good outcome and am not ready to start Thai bashing just yet

Firstly, they have no evidence that she hasn't run away. Secondly, they have no evidence that she has been abducted. Thirdly they have walked that area where she may have gone missing with a huge search and discovered absolutely nothing.

This bloke has disappeared, so there is a good chance he may have something to do with it. He has left the UK, but the police want to see him and I would imagine that in time he will at least be questioned and then they take it from there.

So, I fail to see the comparison with what has gone on in the UK despite your effort to excuse what has happened in Thailand.

Good. Hope it all goes bankrupt.

I hope that the Island also sinks with its local inhabitants and the incompetent police on it!

Good. Could you imagine anywhere else in the world where 2 young people are brutally murdered and raped and the only concern that the authorities have is that it won't disrupt the foreigners coming here and spending their money all the while the 2 rapist and murders are still walking free dispite the police having their DNA?

I hope that the world never forgets the brief insight into the Thai mindset this horrific case has given them.

I used to be proud to say I lived here but now I always advise people to stay away when they tell me they are thinking about taking a holiday in Thailand. I cannot wait to leave with my family next year.

Thailand really doesn't deserve everything it has but it deserves everything it gets.

My sentiments exactly. I had to plan to move to Thailand full time in August it was a long time dream. But my eyes were opened to what is behind the smile its greed and corruption not with all but most "money No 1" as the Thais say. This fundamental trait has ruined what to me is paradise but this culture I could never live with or have my son grow up thinking the same.

I just hope people keep this tragedy as a headline as it should not be allowed go unpunished and if people stop coming to Tao or Thailand people will hand up the scum that did this. Maybe Thailand might do the right thing for a change but I very much doubt it. Sorry for being negative and pessimistic .

Thailand really needs to understand that the internet airs all your dirty laundry and as they are seeing now it makes a real impact on where people choose to holiday,

Finally! Some good news!

Just feel ashamed on behalf of the victims parents and relatives.

What a shambles and what an unprofessional handling of the situation.

Thailand should be ashamed also.

Costas can I remind you of a very nasty case back in the UK at the moment. A missing, presumed dead 14 year old young girl where the police know everything about the prime suspect. Even down to he has already served a prison sentence for murder in his home country of Latvia yet was allowed to simply walk into the UK and stay. The head of Scotland Yard has just admitted they are clueless as to where the man is and that if he has left the UK he is virtually a free man. For some bizarre reason they haven't even issued an EU arrest warrant either.

Crime detection, especially murder isn't so easily solved like it is on the TV and incompetent police are worldwide and not just here in Thailand as most people are alluring to.

Yes mistakes have been made but that may just be because this type of crime is a rarity here.

I'm still hoping for a good outcome and am not ready to start Thai bashing just yet

Serious crimes against tourists occur monthly on Samui, KPG or KT, usually around the full moon period. Most fail to reach the media but be under no illusion as to the scale of the problem or seriousness of offence(s).

A FoI request to the respective missions might provide a baseline re numbers, but only the ones that were ever reported.

Edited September 29, 201411 yr by evadgib

In a country where things are done even remotely properly an unauthorised statement on the progress of a police investigation would be jumped on.

I think we can be sure this tourist spokesperson is a clueless as the BIB but just has to get in there to try and protect tourist revenue, after all isn't that what it's all about ?

Good. If only tourism on Koh Tao would stay down. Year after year after year.

While the killers are still loose I for one won't be going there.

A high profile murder case where the murderers are still at large, maybe still on the island would put me off visiting. Catch the murders and prove it's them 100 % then people might return.

Lock n' & load?

This has made me so angry! Yes I know this kind of thing can and does happen across the world but it's how it's been and is being dealt with.

If the two young kids being horrifically murdered wasn't enough, the families have to now endure the complete incompetence and lies of all involved! Inremembervthem saying at the start of all this that a Thai couldn't do such a thing! It was a European, then it must be a Burmese and now finally after all this time, it's a thai!

Get your heads out of the sand and crack some skulls!

People need to at the very least boycott this island, hit them in the pockets!

They say money talks! Well let's see how long it takes when the takings start to dwindle!