Thailand tourist arrivals soar from Jan-May

[webfact]

Tourist arrivals soar from Jan-May

BANGKOK, 25 June 2015 (NNT) - Over 12 million international travellers came to Thailand from January through May this year, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The number rose 24.7% from the same period of 2014, when pre-coup protests took place.

The ministry reported that most of the travellers were from China, led with 3.3 million arrivals. They were followed by Malaysia with 1.4 million, Japan with 575,186, South Korea with 546,520, and Laos with 459,225.

Last month, approximately 2.3 million tourists visited the country, a year-on-year rise of 38.2%.

Since the beginning of 2015, Bangkok is the most visited destination, followed by Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket and Chon Buri.

Meanwhile, the northeastern province of Buri Ram received the highest tourism income with 3.7 billion baht, followed by Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trat, Trang, and Chumphon.


-- NNT 2015-06-25

[BSJ]

Well some may dispute the number of quality tourists arriving but I think we can all dispute the amount of money quoted in the article " the northeastern province of Buri Ram received the highest tourism income with 3.7 billion baht,". Yer right!

[LomSak27]

The good news just doesn't stop coming!

[chiang mai]

So why might Buriram Province have the highest tourist dollar income for the period?

And Chumphon had higher income than Chiang Mai, Pattaya or Phuket, that seems highly unlikely for anyone who's ever been to Chumphon!

What's wrong with this picture I wonder.

[webfact]

Govt hopes number of tourist arrivals remains steady
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT has embarked on an ambitious plan to maintain the number of tourist arrivals this year at 28.8 million, despite the negative impact of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and the aviation-safety probe.

Meanwhile, the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) sector is also expecting strong performance this year as its target has remained unchanged.

Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the deputy spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office, said 14 million international tourists travelled to Thailand between January and June 21, which was a 27.3-per-cent increase on the same period last year. The tourists generated Bt663 billion in revenue, up by 27.8 per cent on the same period last year. Between June 1 and June 21, the number of visitors increased by 53 per cent to 1.5 million on last year and they generated Bt70 billion in revenue. "Aviation-safety problems are not expected to disturb the Thai tourism industry as tourists haven't cancelled their bookings, while airlines remain operating as usual. MERS has also not had an impact on the inbound travel sector," Sansern said.

However, Thai AirAsia X has announced that its operation between Bangkok and Sapporo will be suspended from August 1 because of the aviation-safety issue.

The South Korean Embassy in Bangkok said the number of Thais visiting South Korea had declined. In a statement, it said the number of Thai visitors increased 25 per cent last year to 470,000. In the first quarter of this year, the number of Korean visitors increased, ranking South Korea as the third-largest source of arrivals.

Sansern said the expected increase in the number of tourists from China would be a key factor to drive further growth. Their numbers are expected to top 6 million this year. As such, the government wants to maintain the arrivals target at 28.8 million for this year, but the total-income goal so far remains unchanged at Bt2.2 trillion.

The Cabinet yesterday approved restructuring plans proposed to solve the current aviation-safety crisis, Sansern said. Several new bodies, including the National Office of Civil Aviation, an Airports of Thailand Department and the Office of Monitoring and Analysis of Aviation Problems, would be established soon.

The Cabinet also approved a budget of Bt2.1 billion to cover the setting up of these new organisations, while another Bt400 million might be needed for staff recruitment.

Jaruwan Suwannasat, director of exhibitions and events at the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said the sector had not been affected by MERS or the aviation crisis.

"Some foreigners are concerned about the issues, but there have been no cancellations up to now," she said.

The TCEB expects to achieve its target of 1 million trade visitors and revenue of Bt160 billion this year. The bureau also had success in its Asean Rising Trade Show (ART) campaign, set up early this year as Asean moves towards a connected economy.

Designed to attract more international trade visitors over the next few years, the ART campaign was launched under the theme "Think Big, Go Beyond", mainly to promote five key industries: automotive; energy; food and agriculture; health and wellness; and infrastructure.

According to Suttisak Wilanan, deputy managing director of Reed Tradex, the event organiser is setting up the "Manufacturing Expo 2015" in Bangkok this week. The event is expected to draw more than 5,000 investors from Asean and 1,000 from Japan.

The expo is expected to welcome more than 76,000 visitors, of whom 10 per cent will be international visitors, and generate revenue of at least Bt5 billion.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Govt-hopes-number-of-tourist-arrivals-remains-stea-30263041.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-25

[chiang mai]

And in the blink of an eye the numbers increased from 24.7% to 27.3%, are there any further bids!

[LomSak27]

We have had the good news here comes the bad. Government is concerned what with MERS, the Junta, and other assorted problems, (islands of "accidents") there could be a downturn.

Good policy of dissipating that potential downer with some good news up front. Go Team !

[Jessi]

If you believe any of the B/S being put out by the Gov you must believe in the "TOOTH FAIRY"

[NongKhaiKid]

They just never give up do they as the news always has to be positive ?

If there's the slightest hint of negativity from other sources then the good news just gets better.

I and others have repeatedly said that having friends in the hospitality / service industry we hear their continuing mantra of " where are all these tourists ? "

[BigBadGeordie]

Hopefully I can shed some light on the figures relating to Buriram.

The number of "tourists" to the Province has increased, and their expenditure, for the following reasons, Chang International Motor Circuit held a large number of races including World Superbikes, Buriram United hosted several high profile games including AFC Champions League games, large numbers of people "visited" during Songkran. Additionally, anyone who has been to a bar in Pattaya, Samui or Phuket will be aware that a large number of girls working there are from this Province, which results in a large number of foreigners visitin the are with their new loves.

There has been a massive increase in the number of available hotel rooms (they are still building more) and on a simple trip to Big C you will encounter hoards of love struck gentlemen purchasing new fridges, washing machines etc, surrounded by the complete extended family group. There are now 2 airlines flying daily flights here from Bangkok.

These are just my personal observations, make of them as you will. But I hasten to add, even I don't believe the numbers quoted.

Edited June 25, 2015 by BigBadGeordie

[Tatsujin]

Well some may dispute the number of quality tourists arriving but I think we can all dispute the amount of money quoted in the article " the northeastern province of Buri Ram received the highest tourism income with 3.7 billion baht,". Yer right!

That might well have (partly) something to do with the Chang International Circuit ... where the first World Superbike round in Thailand was held back in March. Lots of people there for that, not just Thai's.

[apetley]

Well some may dispute the number of quality tourists arriving but I think we can all dispute the amount of money quoted in the article " the northeastern province of Buri Ram received the highest tourism income with 3.7 billion baht,". Yer right!

That might well have (partly) something to do with the Chang International Circuit ... where the first World Superbike round in Thailand was held back in March. Lots of people there for that, not just Thai's.

I can see that boosting the figure for Buriram but putting it above the millions who visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya?

[little mary sunshine]

Other than the bus loads of Chinese that cost

Thailand more than they add to the economy,

Where is "The Soar"? Not in Pattaya!

[snooker4eva]

Did this statistic include transit passengers maybe ??

[phoenixdoglover]

...14 million international tourists travelled to Thailand between January and June 21, which was a 27.3-per-cent increase on the same period last year. The tourists generated Bt663 billion in revenue...

...the total-income goal so far remains unchanged at Bt2.2 trillion....

Get out your calculators! I challenge anyone to make a rational case for the 2.2 trillion baht target for 2015.

Ah, maybe I need a Kobkarn Kalkulator.

[madmitch]

Did this statistic include transit passengers maybe ??

I believe that the figures are collated from the arrivals cards, so if you fill in an arrival card, whether you are spending two hours or two weeks in Thailand, you are counted, as you will be for every single arrival, so every visa run counts as one entry.

What Thailand is losing is the Western tourist spending two or three weeks in the country. Chinese spend four or five days here, Malaysians even less, so in reality, although arrival numbers may be up, overall numbers of nights spent in Thailand by tourists is down, hence the reason places are looking so empty.

Edited June 25, 2015 by madmitch

[Fat Haggis]

They just never give up do they as the news always has to be positive ?

If there's the slightest hint of negativity from other sources then the good news just gets better.

I and others have repeatedly said that having friends in the hospitality / service industry we hear their continuing mantra of " where are all these tourists ? "

No no no no no NKK, the government have posted FACTS, FACTS don't lie hey.

This is typical redshirt mantra this is the most popular government ever to have graced the Kingdom hey, the most popular PM in Thai history has seen fit to put more spin on his reign then an industrial washing machine!! ?

My mate who owns a bar in Patong has had to go back to work overseas, as he's not making the money he thought he would mate, others as you rightly pointed out who are in the hotel and tourist industry are not seeing the same super duper stats and facts either!!

[Oziex1]

Week after week the tourist numbers grow, soon everyone in the world will have visited Thailand, and for the less well off, free boat rides to resume shortly.

[Fat Haggis]

The ministry reported that most of the travellers were from China, led with 3.3 million arrivals. They were followed by Malaysia with 1.4 million, Japan with 575,186, South Korea with 546,520, and Laos with 459,225.

Which adds up to 6,931,931

So where, as in origin, did the other 5,809,069 come from ?

[chiang mai]

BOT stats. seem to support the higher numbers.

http://www2.bot.or.th/statistics/ReportPage.aspx?reportID=624&language=eng

[matman]

yes right!!,

That's why its almost possible to play 'Spot the Tourist' in Pattaya, and long established business' catering for tourists are closing every day

[Jimlove]

Mrs. Popcorn is in the "Inner-circle" and as such untouchable ...

In a normal country she would have gotten the boot already since any non-retarded person can see these figures are taken "out of the blue" - apparently the most horrific lies are bought here if the person is a hi-so ...

[Fat Haggis]

BOT stats. seem to support the higher numbers.

http://www2.bot.or.th/statistics/ReportPage.aspx?reportID=624&language=eng

I take it you didn't read the part at the bottom where it states that the numbers come from The Tourism and Sports Ministry ?

[Tatsujin]

Well some may dispute the number of quality tourists arriving but I think we can all dispute the amount of money quoted in the article " the northeastern province of Buri Ram received the highest tourism income with 3.7 billion baht,". Yer right!

That might well have (partly) something to do with the Chang International Circuit ... where the first World Superbike round in Thailand was held back in March. Lots of people there for that, not just Thai's.

I can see that boosting the figure for Buriram but putting it above the millions who visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya?

Original article: http://www.tatnews.org/thailand-visitor-arrivals-surge-25-in-jan-may-2015/

Visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 12.4 million between January-May 2015, up 25% over the same period of 2014, and are on track to cross the estimated 28-million projection for the entire year.

According to the latest figures released by the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the top five source markets in January-May 2015 were China (3,273,695), Malaysia (1,397,241), Japan (575,186) Korea (546,520), and Lao PDR. (459,225).

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that the total arrivals of 12,448,641 were an increase of 24.72% over January-May 2014. They generated 592.9 billion Baht in tourism income, up 25.13% over the same period.

The Ministry is projecting total earnings from tourism to hit the 2015 target of 2.2 trillion Baht, comprising of 1.4 trillion Baht from international tourism and 800 billion Baht from domestic tourism.

In May alone, Thailand welcomed 2,309,250 tourists, an increase of 38.21% over May 2014, and 18.79% over May 2013. It was also the highest monthly growth for that month, as compared with May 2014 (1,670,860), May 2013 (1,943,968), and May 2012 (1,546,888).

Analysis of visitor expenditure in the January-May 2015 period indicated that the top spenders were Chinese tourists (156.839 billion Baht), followed by Malaysian tourists (33.092 billion Baht), Russians (29.021 billion Baht), the UK (27.949 billion Baht) and the U.S. (25.047 billion Baht).

The top-spending per trip were tourists from Israel, who spent an average of 84,995 Baht/person/trip, followed by Sweden (78,177 Baht/person/trip), Canada (78,010 Baht/person/trip), Switzerland (75,893 Baht/person/trip), and Brazil (75,533 Baht/person/trip).

It indicated that the policy to better promote dispersal of visitor arrivals was also producing results, thanks to the promotion of the “12 Hidden Gems” (12 provinces that tourists should not miss).

Of these 12 provinces, the highest hotel occupancy rate in April 2015 was recorded by Nakhon Si Thammarat (59.19%) in South Thailand, followed by Trang, Trat, Lampang Chumphon, Samut Songkram, Chanthaburi, Nan, Buri Ram, Ratchaburi, Phetchabun and Loei provinces. The top 3 provinces with the highest occupancy growth were Lampang, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Nan.

Buri Ram province reported the highest tourism income with 3.666 billion Baht, followed by Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trat, Trang, Chumphon, Chanthaburi, Phetchabun, Loei, Lampang, Nan, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkram. The top 3 provinces with the highest growth rate in tourism income were Lampang, Nan and Loei.

During January – April 2015, the most visited provinces were Bangkok (18,137,860), followed by Nakhon Ratchasima (5,481,327), Phuket (5,337,616), Chon Buri (4,862,017), and Chiang Mai (2,771,407).

[bendejo]

Malaysia with 1.4 million

Lots of lads cross the border to celebrate their manhood in Sadao, I would guess a few thousand per week.

Is that what they mean by Sports Ministry?

[bendejo]

Malaysia with 1.4 million

Lots of lads cross the border to celebrate their manhood in Sadao, I would guess a few thousand per week.

Is that what they mean by Sports Ministry?

[Ulic]

Liars, dam liars, and those who quote statistics.

[phoenixdoglover]

The Hordes

China, 3.27 million, 157 billion baht, 48,000 per visitor

Malaysia, 1.4 million, 33 billion baht, 24,000 per visitor

The Lords

Israel, 85,000 Baht per visitor

Sweden 78,000

Canada 78,000

Switzerland 76,000

Brazil 76,000

The Unknowns

Japan, Korea, Laos, Russian, UK, US - per visitor spending not available

[heybruce]

Deleted my post, I misread something in second article.

Edited June 25, 2015 by heybruce

[heybruce]

The Hordes

China, 3.27 million, 157 billion baht, 48,000 per visitor

Malaysia, 1.4 million, 33 billion baht, 24,000 per visitor

The Lords

Israel, 85,000 Baht per visitor

Sweden 78,000

Canada 78,000

Switzerland 76,000

Brazil 76,000

The Unknowns

Japan, Korea, Laos, Russian, UK, US - per visitor spending not available

Based on the low spending, I assume Malaysian tourists are predominantly men who cross Thailand's southern border for a few hours, or maybe a day or two, of drinks and cheap hookers.