2014 tourist arrivals to Thailand drop by 6.6 percent

[tonbridgebrit]

"Kobkarn attributed the decline in tourist arrivals and revenues to the political crisis in Thailand during "the first half of 2014," in which parts of Bangkok were paralyzed by street protests that aimed to topple the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra." Quote

Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that delivering a third class product and charging for first class??

Tourists are not stupid, and have finally started to vote with their feet!!

Must be hard for the Thais to realize, that there are better and cheaper options to LOS!!

Such as?

In SE Asia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia - Sri Lanka and the Maldives and fhe Seychelles.

In Europe, anywhere on the Mediterranean and Caribbean, not to mention Brazil, Cuba and Costa Riica -

all of which are closer to Europe than SE Asia.

But there's no Soi Cowboy or Pattaya in places like Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam. And would you really go to Sri Lanka to get a girlfriend ? Be honest, most of us reckon the Thai women are better looking. And that Sihanookville place, in Cambodia, it's nothing compared to Pattaya.

And Spain, Portugal and Greece. Those countries have all had their economies trashed, but that don't mean to say that it's now far cheaper to go to those places. Actually, going to those countries is just as expensive as going before the economic crash of 2008. Have the Spanish, Portugese, and Greeks, have they learnt the 'Thai way' of doing things ? As in : refuse to cut prices even if the numbers are going down.

Actually, do most people on planet earth do things the 'Thai way' ? Did they learn it from Thailand, or did Thailand learn it from the rest of the world ?

[spidermike007]

"Kobkarn attributed the decline in tourist arrivals and revenues to the political crisis in Thailand during "the first half of 2014," in which parts of Bangkok were paralyzed by street protests that aimed to topple the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra." Quote

Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that delivering a third class product and charging for first class??

Tourists are not stupid, and have finally started to vote with their feet!!

Must be hard for the Thais to realize, that there are better and cheaper options to LOS!!

Such as?

Well, Vietnam certainly is cheaper...not quite sure about "better". Many North Americans are now going to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

Americans have always preferred third world destinations that are geographically convenient. They do not like traveling so far. Central American countries have some of the highest murder rates in the world. No thanks.

[Dolf123]

There are many things I not understand here in Thailand...one of them is that Falang can not buy land....

Falangs take over Thailand 100 years ago already:

Fact: 10% of Thai population are from Chinese origins , those 10% have 90% of the money!

And those Chinese Thais controls everything and decided that (other) Falangs can not own land.

Etc etc....

Chinese people rules here!! And have take over everything all ready !!

TIT

[ozyjon]

''wave the wand and fix this problem..''

I have a solution, write everything in

pencil and have an erasure (rubber)

handy.

[louse1953]

So, what the picture depicts is Jomption beach is not crowded enough from Russians ? If more crowded than this, do you think you can find some sand to sit there ?

Please give us a brake, all you see in Pattaya is not beach, speed boats, and heads in water. Russians should build the "Winter Capital" in Cambodia or in Myanmar rather than Pattaya to have better holidays.......

Apparently they have found Vietnam.

[louse1953]

I know many wishful thinkers hope numbers drop further so that Thais will appreciate those of us who are still here, but I am not that optimistic about "Thai logic". Probably even more resentment on smaller group, blaming us for reduced numbers of tourists. If they were to examine their contribution to lowered numbers (as cited above), could develop and implement steps to correct those shortcomings.... ah who am I kidding? Thai logic.

I hope the numbers drop also because many tourists are retarded pissheads who know nothing of the country they are in,and don't want to know.Good riddance.

[louse1953]

6.6% down? O_0

Everyone I know, associated with tourism in Bangkok, moans and bitch, that business is so slow this "high-season" - that they are down 30-50%?!? Could be a Bangkok thing, but i doubt it...

When have they EVER said it is a good high season.

[louse1953]

"Kobkarn attributed the decline in tourist arrivals and revenues to the political crisis in Thailand during "the first half of 2014," in which parts of Bangkok were paralyzed by street protests that aimed to topple the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra." Quote

Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that delivering a third class product and charging for first class??

Tourists are not stupid, and have finally started to vote with their feet!!

Must be hard for the Thais to realize, that there are better and cheaper options to LOS!!

Such as?

In SE Asia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia - Sri Lanka and the Maldives and fhe Seychelles.

In Europe, anywhere on the Mediterranean and Caribbean, not to mention Brazil, Cuba and Costa Riica -

all of which are closer to Europe than SE Asia.

But there's no Soi Cowboy or Pattaya in places like Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam. And would you really go to Sri Lanka to get a girlfriend ? Be honest, most of us reckon the Thai women are better looking. And that Sihanookville place, in Cambodia, it's nothing compared to Pattaya.

And Spain, Portugal and Greece. Those countries have all had their economies trashed, but that don't mean to say that it's now far cheaper to go to those places. Actually, going to those countries is just as expensive as going before the economic crash of 2008. Have the Spanish, Portugese, and Greeks, have they learnt the 'Thai way' of doing things ? As in : refuse to cut prices even if the numbers are going down.

Actually, do most people on planet earth do things the 'Thai way' ? Did they learn it from Thailand, or did Thailand learn it from the rest of the world ?

Those other SE Asian countries you mentioned,you didnt look around much,did you.

[Lukecan]

"Kobkarn attributed the decline in tourist arrivals and revenues to the political crisis in Thailand during "the first half of 2014," in which parts of Bangkok were paralyzed by street protests that aimed to topple the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra." Quote

Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that delivering a third class product and charging for first class??

Tourists are not stupid, and have finally started to vote with their feet!!

Must be hard for the Thais to realize, that there are better and cheaper options to LOS!!

Such as?

In SE Asia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia - Sri Lanka and the Maldives and fhe Seychelles.

In Europe, anywhere on the Mediterranean and Caribbean, not to mention Brazil, Cuba and Costa Riica -

all of which are closer to Europe than SE Asia.

Cambodia? LOL

You could bribe the army to use a bazooka there, only outcasts of Europe go there.

Indonesia? Yeah Bali is pretty decent, but its like the only decent resort town over there.

Vietnam? If you like going through the hassle of getting a visa, yeah then its a good destination.

Malaysia? You're kidding right? Not a good place for sex tourists.

I've never been to Sri Lanka or Maldives so I got nothing good or bad to say about them, but I've heard good things about Maldives, still there is no way it can replace Thailand, more than half the western blokes here are sex tourists.

[tonbridgebrit]

Such as?

In SE Asia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia - Sri Lanka and the Maldives and fhe Seychelles.

In Europe, anywhere on the Mediterranean and Caribbean, not to mention Brazil, Cuba and Costa Riica -

all of which are closer to Europe than SE Asia.

But there's no Soi Cowboy or Pattaya in places like Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam. And would you really go to Sri Lanka to get a girlfriend ? Be honest, most of us reckon the Thai women are better looking. And that Sihanookville place, in Cambodia, it's nothing compared to Pattaya.

And Spain, Portugal and Greece. Those countries have all had their economies trashed, but that don't mean to say that it's now far cheaper to go to those places. Actually, going to those countries is just as expensive as going before the economic crash of 2008. Have the Spanish, Portugese, and Greeks, have they learnt the 'Thai way' of doing things ? As in : refuse to cut prices even if the numbers are going down.

Actually, do most people on planet earth do things the 'Thai way' ? Did they learn it from Thailand, or did Thailand learn it from the rest of the world ?

Those other SE Asian countries you mentioned,you didnt look around much,did you.

Those other SE Asian countries do have massive sex industries, yes. But they don't have red-light districts that cater specifically for foreigners.

Most sex tourists don't actually want to go to a place where all the sex bars are, and they see lots and lots of the local men are also there. They'd much rather a seperate red-light district that caters mainly for foreign men.

[englishoak]

Call me a cynic but I dont believe those numbers in the slightest

[dannyshin]

i think it is because of new stupid visa rules and discrimination against foriegnerd. europeans treated a special way while other nationals are looked down. i wish that it goes down further.

[whatsupdoc]

Tells a lot about some TV members that they can only think about sex tourism when considering better and cheaper tourist destinations than Thailand....

Still I am not really convinced by the alternatives mentioned. Some are cheaper, some are better, but both?

[sydneyjed]

there is a certain type of tourist that will keep on comming year by year

the two week millionaires that cannot get any pxxxxy in their own country at a reasonable price

they ain't here for the temples you know

Who is here for the temples unless you are Buddhist?

The p...y ...well of course..you'd be mad if you aren't sampling any of the local product!

[Johnny S]

"Kobkarn attributed the decline in tourist arrivals and revenues to the political crisis in Thailand during "the first half of 2014," in which parts of Bangkok were paralyzed by street protests that aimed to topple the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra." Quote

Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that delivering a third class product and charging for first class??

Tourists are not stupid, and have finally started to vote with their feet!!

Must be hard for the Thais to realize, that there are better and cheaper options to LOS!!

Such as?

Vietnam is def one of them - beaches are better, food are better and cheaper, ahh everything is cheaper in fact ...

[mango66]

some high category hotels were booked 70% over new year ( except 31st dec ),

in previous I were told it was almost 100% for the complete pewriod;

so did they compensate this 30% down by chinese ?

I havn't seen them in samui restaurants or beches or entertainment locations;

30% down over the year is for me realistic ;

I dont count transfer tourists which arrive at svampy as arrival,

as they continou to other countries !!

[mango66]

Samui - Chaweng -

before 3 years , same place - MIT seafood restaurant -

3 restaurants before 3 years,

now only 1 !

and on 1st januar eve - only halv of tables were occupied,

1 BIG LOUD SHOUTING DRINKING CHINESE GROUP;

a few Farongs with thai girl,

other few thai groups,

no much farongs or russians;

in 3 years comparison - down to 30% !! so down 70% in 3 years;

also Fisherman village - on new years eve - empty !!

( mostly restaurants there now owned by foreigners - cheating is going on,

3% surcharge for CREDIT card payment );

[mango66]

"Kobkarn attributed the decline in tourist arrivals and revenues to the political crisis in Thailand during "the first half of 2014," in which parts of Bangkok were paralyzed by street protests that aimed to topple the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra." Quote

Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that delivering a third class product and charging for first class??

Tourists are not stupid, and have finally started to vote with their feet!!

Must be hard for the Thais to realize, that there are better and cheaper options to LOS!!

Such as?

Well, Vietnam certainly is cheaper...not quite sure about "better". Many North Americans are now going to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

Americans have always preferred third world destinations that are geographically convenient. They do not like traveling so far. Central American countries have some of the highest murder rates in the world. No thanks.

USA either !!

first you killed by a cop,

than you searched for a weapon

[Fat Haggis]

I know many wishful thinkers hope numbers drop further so that Thais will appreciate those of us who are still here, but I am not that optimistic about "Thai logic". Probably even more resentment on smaller group, blaming us for reduced numbers of tourists. If they were to examine their contribution to lowered numbers (as cited above), could develop and implement steps to correct those shortcomings.... ah who am I kidding? Thai logic.

I hope the numbers drop also because many tourists are retarded pissheads who know nothing of the country they are in,and don't want to know.Good riddance.

Most are like that in their native countries !! Was there a point you were trying to make sir? ;-)

[spidermike007]

"Kobkarn attributed the decline in tourist arrivals and revenues to the political crisis in Thailand during "the first half of 2014," in which parts of Bangkok were paralyzed by street protests that aimed to topple the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra." Quote

Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that delivering a third class product and charging for first class??

Tourists are not stupid, and have finally started to vote with their feet!!

Must be hard for the Thais to realize, that there are better and cheaper options to LOS!!

Such as?

Well, Vietnam certainly is cheaper...not quite sure about "better". Many North Americans are now going to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

Americans have always preferred third world destinations that are geographically convenient. They do not like traveling so far. Central American countries have some of the highest murder rates in the world. No thanks.

USA either !!

first you killed by a cop,

than you searched for a weapon

Not really. The murder rate in the US is around 5.1 per 100,000. By comparison here are some Central American countries, and a few others with very high rates. Sure there are some bad cops in the US. Like in most countries. But, choose to live in Honduras as an expat? Are you serious?

Which countries have the world's highest murder rates? Honduras tops the list

By CNN Staff

Updated 1748 GMT (0048 HKT) April 11, 2014

U.N. Office of Drugs and Crime: Honduras has the world's highest homicide rateThere were 90.4 homicides per 100,000 people there in 2012, a new report saysHomicide rates in the Americas have long been higher than those in Europe and Asia

Honduras has the world's highest murder rate, according to a United Nations report released on Thursday.

There were 90.4 homicides per 100,000 people in Honduras in 2012, according to this year'sreport from the U.N. Office of Drugs and Crime.

The report analyzes the intentional homicides of about 437,000 people around the world in that year.

Honduras also topped the list in the office's last report, released in 2011.

In the Americas, homicide rates have been five to eight times higher than those of Europe and Asia since the mid-1950s, the study says, describing the phenomenon as "the legacy of decades of political and crime-related violence."

Here's a look at the U.N.'s latest tally of nations with the highest homicide rates:

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COUNTRIES

Honduras: 90.4 (per 100,000)

Venezuela: 53.7

Belize: 44.7

El Salvador: 41.2

Guatemala: 39.9

Jamaica: 39.3

Swaziland: 33.8

Saint Kitts and Nevis: 33.6

South Africa: 31.0

Colombia: 30.8

[hugh2121]

If it's only 6%, why have so many small businesses closed down in Pattaya and even in Sri Racha which is not even a destination for western tourists. Why are so many new condos unsold and why are the tourist hotels almost empty? 6% my left t1t. More like 60%.

Edited January 10, 2015 by hugh2121

[manhood]

Well on my opinion its not the material law that keep more and more tourists away from Thailand:

Look at the disrespect against foreigners here in this country and the more and more crime against foreigners as well as a country with a police you cant trust , furthermore you have to be care to get too close to them and not involved in any case with police, a corrupt and violation of human dignity and diffraction of the law according to their taste, Thats what i hate and afraid of most here in Thailand

[redandyellow]

That's a lot of people that didn't end up dead, good choice to stay home - not that they'll ever know they avoided being killed on a motorcycle..