TAT highlights Thailand as a Muslim and family friendly destination

[webfact]

TAT highlights Thailand as a Muslim and family friendly destination



BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Dubai Office in cooperation with the Royal Thai Embassy Tehran and Mahan Air, hosted a familiarisation trip for 26 travel agents from Tehran and four social media influencers based in Iran in a bid to highlight Thailand as a Muslim and family friendly destination.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas) said, “The Iran market is one of the most dynamic markets in our region. Iranian tourists in Thailand have shown an incredible development over last year. Based on a recent survey, Thailand still leads in the top ten for Iranian outbound travellers in terms of facilities; such as, hotel accommodation, theme and leisure parks, dining, shopping and general entertainment, a clear manifestation that Thailand is still on the top of the travel list of Iranians.”

Held during 4-12 January, 2016, the fam trip featuring Bangkok and Pattaya was organised in two batches with the 30 participants divided into two groups. The first batch was organised from 4-9 January, and the second phase is currently being held from 6-12 January.

Highlighted excursions have included the Cartoon Network Amazone theme park and Art in Paradise museum in Pattaya, and the floating market, a Chao Phraya River cruise and shopping experiences in Bangkok.

Participants from both groups also joined the TAT’s special buyers-meet-sellers session held on 8 January at The Landmark Bangkok, and met with more than 55 Thai tourism representatives from hotels, recreation and theme parks, and travel companies.

Mr. Chalermsak Suranant, TAT Dubai and Middle East Office Director said, “The fam trip forms part of TAT’s plans to promote Thailand as a Muslim friendly destination to the Iran market with highlights on luxury, family and couples activities. The activity also follows TAT’s on-going strategy to reaffirm the good image of Thailand as a top tourist destination.”

The Middle East, including Iran, remains an important source market for Thailand. From January – November 2015, the number of tourist arrivals from Iran reached 81,404, representing a year-on-year increase of almost 30 per cent.

Mr. Chalermsak said, “The Discover Thainess Campaign 2015, which highlights Muslim-friendly tours and activities is among TAT’s attempts to attract first-time and repeat visitors to explore Thailand’s new destinations. The 12 hidden-gems cities; namely Lampang, Phetchabun, Nan, Buri Ram, Loei, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Trat, Chanthaburi, Trang, Chumphon and Nakhon Si Thammarat, are among the recommended destinations for tourists to discover Thainess, the Thai way of life through people and culture.”

Accessibility to Thailand from Iran continues to grow with Mahan Air boosting flights to Bangkok to five times per week. The number of Iranian travellers to Thailand look set to grow further, especially in March, during ‘Norooz’ or the Iranian New Year.

At the same event, the Director of the TAT Dubai Office received a special plaque of recognition named the “Best Tourism Board Supporter” presented by Mahan Air along with the Top Three Best Seller of Bangkok from participating Iranian agents.

Source TAT: http://www.tatnews.org/tat-highlights-thailand-as-a-muslim-and-family-friendly-destination/


-- Samui Times 2016-01-12

[clockman]

They have not read, the latest stories. In The Guardian, and Independent newspapers!

[oldsailor35]

Desperate times produce desperate words !

[thesetat2013]

Heheee!!! Heheee!!!

[Thian]

Then first catch all them soidogs.

[phoenixdoglover]

There are these promotions and then there is reality. Yes, some Muslim families do travel to Thailand. Shopping and medical procedures are a focus.

However, on the flights to and from the Middle East and Bangkok, you will find the majority of Muslims are unattached men traveling in small groups.

And did this article just use Pattaya as an example of a family friendly place? Oh, Lord.

[Thian]

There are these promotions and then there is reality. Yes, some Muslim families do travel to Thailand. Shopping and medical procedures are a focus.

However, on the flights to and from the Middle East and Bangkok, you will find the majority of Muslims are unattached men traveling in small groups.

And did this article just use Pattaya as an example of a family friendly place? Oh, Lord.

I always fly over Dubai or Abu Dhabbi but haven't noticed those groups or single men.

Mostly farang, chinese, indians, thai, arabs and whining kids.

[AyG]

Uighurs are Moslems. Are they welcome too? Recent history suggests not.

[Squeegee]

Thailand is a dangerous place. All visitors should be aware of the fact and not trust the word of Thai authorities, holiday merchants or even naive expats with years of experience here abiding by laws and thinking a good attitude is some kind of protection.

Most people may have a positive holiday over all but we do take our life in our hands when we visit Thailand.

[JHolmesJr]

Lol...behind their backs they call them ali baba.

[kaiyaibob]

Doesn't appear too friendly to Muslims in some Southern states

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

The hub for Muslim tourism.

[alant]

Thats why all the anti alcohol enforcement

[Baerboxer]

There are these promotions and then there is reality. Yes, some Muslim families do travel to Thailand. Shopping and medical procedures are a focus.

However, on the flights to and from the Middle East and Bangkok, you will find the majority of Muslims are unattached men traveling in small groups.

And did this article just use Pattaya as an example of a family friendly place? Oh, Lord.

I always fly over Dubai or Abu Dhabbi but haven't noticed those groups or single men.

Mostly farang, chinese, indians, thai, arabs and whining kids.

Really. I fly mostly Etihad and Qatar, sometimes Gulf, occasionally Emirates. Often see groups of young Gulf state Arab guys. Usually try to re-arrange everyone else's seating so they can sit together and where they fancy. Another trick is one or two of the group fly business, then swap turns with their mates in economy till the crew and / or passengers get fed up.

They're friendly enough and most will chat and tell you off to Pattaya, Phuket and / or Bangkok.

[hansnl]

Immigration should check one category.

Might be having an unnatural interest for the south.......

[UTH001]

Desperate times produce desperate words !

What do you mean? There has just been yet another record year for Thai Tourism! TAT is doing a fantastic job, otherwise these numbers would not have been achieved! Already looking forward to another record year this year, they really are on the ball!

[angiolo]

Well this has got to be an OPEN DOOR for ISIS.

[i claudius]

They have not read, the latest stories. In The Guardian, and Independent newspapers!

Who does ? The amount of money it loses,hardly anybody it seems

[Hawk]

I thought that the Iranians were the number one "Ice" importers to Thailand, not tourists

[wabothai]

Amazing extract from madam's crash course. This time with the help of Angela.

[NCC1701A]

i am a 6 ft tall white male with short hair, not over weight and i never dress like a tourist. if i am in a mall in Thailand and i see Muslim men with their wives in burkas, I put on my 5.11 tactical sunglasses and start watching them as if i have them under surveillance. i will follow at a distance and talk into my shirt sleeve and hold my hand up to my ear. this is great fun for me and good way to kill some time at the mall. just trying to do my part.

[Thian]

There are these promotions and then there is reality. Yes, some Muslim families do travel to Thailand. Shopping and medical procedures are a focus.

However, on the flights to and from the Middle East and Bangkok, you will find the majority of Muslims are unattached men traveling in small groups.

And did this article just use Pattaya as an example of a family friendly place? Oh, Lord.

I always fly over Dubai or Abu Dhabbi but haven't noticed those groups or single men.

Mostly farang, chinese, indians, thai, arabs and whining kids.

Really. I fly mostly Etihad and Qatar, sometimes Gulf, occasionally Emirates. Often see groups of young Gulf state Arab guys. Usually try to re-arrange everyone else's seating so they can sit together and where they fancy. Another trick is one or two of the group fly business, then swap turns with their mates in economy till the crew and / or passengers get fed up.

They're friendly enough and most will chat and tell you off to Pattaya, Phuket and / or Bangkok.

I mostly fly over Dubai with emirates and then don't see those group of men.

I have spoken to them though, from Quatar in the smokinglounge...they had 20 bags taxfree each since there are no rules for that for them. Also from Libanon.

From Quatar they like to escape the heat in their summer and go anywhere.

Etihad cheated me one time and i never went back to them...i booked online but i couldn't pay with the creditcard because their system wasn't good.. Next day i called them and all was fine except he charged me 20 euro extra for the phone-reservation and it was not mentioned and not my fault....cheaters.

When i got businessclass in emirates there were many arabs around me to bangkok. They brought their wives and kids and had the private cabins.

Quatar has plenty money but they can go anywhere, why would they choose thailand?

[UTH001]

There are these promotions and then there is reality. Yes, some Muslim families do travel to Thailand. Shopping and medical procedures are a focus.

However, on the flights to and from the Middle East and Bangkok, you will find the majority of Muslims are unattached men traveling in small groups.

And did this article just use Pattaya as an example of a family friendly place? Oh, Lord.

I always fly over Dubai or Abu Dhabbi but haven't noticed those groups or single men.

Mostly farang, chinese, indians, thai, arabs and whining kids.

Really. I fly mostly Etihad and Qatar, sometimes Gulf, occasionally Emirates. Often see groups of young Gulf state Arab guys. Usually try to re-arrange everyone else's seating so they can sit together and where they fancy. Another trick is one or two of the group fly business, then swap turns with their mates in economy till the crew and / or passengers get fed up.

They're friendly enough and most will chat and tell you off to Pattaya, Phuket and / or Bangkok.

I mostly fly over Dubai with emirates and then don't see those group of men.

I have spoken to them though, from Quatar in the smokinglounge...they had 20 bags taxfree each since there are no rules for that for them. Also from Libanon.

From Quatar they like to escape the heat in their summer and go anywhere.

Etihad cheated me one time and i never went back to them...i booked online but i couldn't pay with the creditcard because their system wasn't good.. Next day i called them and all was fine except he charged me 20 euro extra for the phone-reservation and it was not mentioned and not my fault....cheaters.

When i got businessclass in emirates there were many arabs around me to bangkok. They brought their wives and kids and had the private cabins.

Quatar has plenty money but they can go anywhere, why would they choose thailand?

There are no "private cabins" on any EMIRATES business class configuration, only in first class. I also fly regularly via DXB, I do see groups of Arab guys (three of four guys traveling together), coming to Thailand to experience the culture and visiting Wat's. They also do some shopping, which is more than the Chinese do. And yes, I also see Arab families, there is a bit of both.

But less tourists from Arab countries, the low oil price is hurting their economies, of course.

[ggt]

After Germany hears of this Muslim friendly destination...they may want to round up their Muslims and give them a one-way ticket to Southern Thailand...to join the other peace loving Muslims living there...

[Jingthing]

There are these promotions and then there is reality. Yes, some Muslim families do travel to Thailand. Shopping and medical procedures are a focus.

However, on the flights to and from the Middle East and Bangkok, you will find the majority of Muslims are unattached men traveling in small groups.

And did this article just use Pattaya as an example of a family friendly place? Oh, Lord.

Pattaya IS a family friendly place. I see families here all the time and most appear to be having a great time. There are many, many family attractions in the greater Pattaya area. The sexy sois are there ... not that part obviously. Believe it or not I had not once seen a Mama cover her child's eyes here.

[Rimbuman]

There are these promotions and then there is reality. Yes, some Muslim families do travel to Thailand. Shopping and medical procedures are a focus.

However, on the flights to and from the Middle East and Bangkok, you will find the majority of Muslims are unattached men traveling in small groups.

And did this article just use Pattaya as an example of a family friendly place? Oh, Lord.

I always fly over Dubai or Abu Dhabbi but haven't noticed those groups or single men.

Mostly farang, chinese, indians, thai, arabs and whining kids.

Really. I fly mostly Etihad and Qatar, sometimes Gulf, occasionally Emirates. Often see groups of young Gulf state Arab guys. Usually try to re-arrange everyone else's seating so they can sit together and where they fancy. Another trick is one or two of the group fly business, then swap turns with their mates in economy till the crew and / or passengers get fed up.

They're friendly enough and most will chat and tell you off to Pattaya, Phuket and / or Bangkok.

I mostly fly over Dubai with emirates and then don't see those group of men.

I have spoken to them though, from Quatar in the smokinglounge...they had 20 bags taxfree each since there are no rules for that for them. Also from Libanon.

From Quatar they like to escape the heat in their summer and go anywhere.

Etihad cheated me one time and i never went back to them...i booked online but i couldn't pay with the creditcard because their system wasn't good.. Next day i called them and all was fine except he charged me 20 euro extra for the phone-reservation and it was not mentioned and not my fault....cheaters.

When i got businessclass in emirates there were many arabs around me to bangkok. They brought their wives and kids and had the private cabins.

Quatar has plenty money but they can go anywhere, why would they choose thailand?

Nana.

[seedy]

one Racist post removed

[Krataiboy]

Wonder if they will squeeze in a quick tour of Yala and Tak Bai?

[AyG]

Wonder if they will squeeze in a quick tour of Yala and Tak Bai?

They'll probably squeeze it in after a brief visit to the Krue Se mosque.

[i claudius]

There are friendly Muslims?