Tourism in Jan 2016 up by 15 percent compared to same period last year

[webfact]

Tourism in Jan 2016 up by 15 percent compared to same period last year



BANGKOK, 29 January 2016 (NNT) - The Minister of Tourism and Sports has indicated that tourism since the beginning of the year has significantly increased the country’s revenue, as an influx of tourists has coincided with the Ministry’s ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan, linking tourism developments in the region.

Minister of Tourism and Sports, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul announced that between January 1st and 26th of this year, the arrival of tourists grew by 15.6% on the same period last year, resulting in revenue of 128 million baht, a 16.8% increase on the same period last year.

The number of tourists at the country’s five main airports from January 1st to 26th, grew by 15% compared to the same period last year. Don Muang International Airport reported the degree of tourist growth at 51.9%, followed by the airports of Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Suvarnabhumi.

As for the Ministry’s 2nd ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan, Mrs Kobkarn revealed that the strategy will focus on promoting the national identity of each country and enhancing competitiveness and sustainable cooperation. In 2017, the plan will further expand the connectivity of the ASEAN region to promote increased tourism in the region.

-- NNT 2016-01-29

[NongKhaiKid]

She just can't stop can she ?

The assessment period ended on the 26th, presumably midnight, yet by the 28th she's able to produce detailed figures but I suppose it helps having them prepared in advance.

[chainarong]

Yet another set of rubbery figures from a rubbery Junta administration , good point NKK , the collection of data which generally would take at least 3 months to gather in an affluent country can be so readily available within 24 hrs just goes to show those affluent countries with their high tech computers, streamlined systems and immense knowledge , have all got it wrong, perhaps the Federal government of Australia could use the TAT computer system for their Centrelink service , which seems to be in great need of an overhaul, its either that or their senior management does..................................................... .

[Valentine]

Why do they need a bash at the Dusit Thani to announce this. One can only speculate how much taxpayer money is spent by officialdom on similar events which really just waste money that could be better spent elsewhere. Don't they have a conference room in their own office complex?

[lujanit]

The Tourism Minister just released a further statement that 15% of the 15.6% increase in numbers were high quality, high spending tourists from China.

[BSJ]

"16.8% increase"! I am impressed! Thai rubber sure has a lot of elasticity.

and the point about the Dusit Thani.....yer, why there???

[bim]

The top most visited cities have been anounced and Bangkok slipped 2 places and is 7% down on last year.

[terryp]

chinese chinese everywhere but not a baht to spend

[sebastion]

It's all about arrivals. How short sighted can one agency be?

Sack TAT and put someone who knows how to run it.

[craigt3365]

That pic looks like she's trying to hold back a laugh. Thinking to herself, will everybody really believe this? LOL

[ChrisY1]

It's all about arrivals. How short sighted can one agency be?

Sack TAT and put someone who knows how to run it.

Can't be sacked.....she's a generals wife:)

[bangkokheat]

when i was a boy i loved to read disney comics, espesh about donald duck and mr scrooge, now that im a big boy i still enjoy comics, thats why i look forward to reading thai news each morning, frkn hilarious

[Ulic]

I know what I am going to say so why wait for accurate figures, get them out there right away.

[Caveat Emptor]

The PM supposedly uses fortune tellers which might explain why this lady is in the cabinet with her ability to predict.

She produced the facts and figures stunt last Songkran too when she gave out tourist and expenditure details before the holiday was even over.

[i claudius]

I am happy to say that there certainly does not seem to be anywhere near as many tourists as last year here in Pattaya , they must all be going to , wherever

[shirtless]

Those figures are depressing last years military coup killed high season.

[jalansanitwong]

I think the British call these persons and occupations QANGO quassi autominous non gov organisations.

The ministers husband is a good mate of PM Prayuth. They both went to Police General graduation school together? lol

Her husband is Pol General Chom.

Theyre probably having the meeting at the Dusit Thani because her husband and she are staying overnight. ........ Free.

Thailand is the only country that puts out weekly even daily tourism stats.

[sawadee1947]

In Chiang Mai Thais and farangs belong to minority. Overcrowded by Chinese.

[SABloke]

So total tourism revenue was around 2 trillion Baht last year...an average of 167 BILLION per month and this article is talking about 128 MILLION as being an increase I know the article is comparing year on year and not averages, but even if they fiddled last years numbers and revenue was only half it would still be a lot more wouldn't it.

[madmitch]

Tourist numbers are up. No surprise there. But that does not mean tourism is up. Nights actually spent in Thailand is the most relevant figure and the one which the authorities have never used. Shouldn't be difficult to calculate given the arrival card system.

[useronthenet]

Thanks for that fantasy article ..... and now back to the serious news !

[Srikcir]

This is a good beginning.

If now TAT can triple (that would be 300% vs 15%) tourism revenues compared to a year ago it might actually contribute to the national GDP growth rate. Unfortunately, in 2014 the Junta terminated the expansion of at Suvarnabhumi Airport that would have doubled aircraft capacity and has yet to revigorate the project.

You don't hear from DPM of Economic Affairs Somkid making any predictions about tourism materially affecting the GDP growth rate. And for good reason. For Thailand to re-organize its economic sectors away from exports and low revenue producing agriculture to tourism will take 10 years or longer to accomplish and political stability will remain an immediate potential barrier.

[elgordo38]

She just can't stop can she ?

The assessment period ended on the 26th, presumably midnight, yet by the 28th she's able to produce detailed figures but I suppose it helps having them prepared in advance.

Is she related to the woman on the North Korean news or on loan from them. They make all these grandoise statements thinking they are back in the 1900's somewhere talking to ill informed unwashed masses. Why does she not just ad 20% for next year and say Thailand will "welcome" 36 million tourists in 2017 really lay it on. Wake up its 2016. What a plastic smile. Why not welcome more expats in Chiang Mai you know the people that spend their money 24/7/365 here and fix the immigration mess. They want to take the money in but hate to shell it out.

[Baerboxer]

Why do they need a bash at the Dusit Thani to announce this. One can only speculate how much taxpayer money is spent by officialdom on similar events which really just waste money that could be better spent elsewhere. Don't they have a conference room in their own office complex?

Because she's important, her husband is important and her family are important. They expect to be treated in accordance with that importance, at all times.

Just the same logic as Chalerm and Tarit used when spending vast amounts of money on their lunches when heading the farcical CAPO.

Does it happen in other countries. You bet. Certainly does in the UK with Quangos, NGO's, and even charities all jumping on the "we're important and monies no object" band wagon as well as national and local government.

[Baerboxer]

This is a good beginning.

If now TAT can triple (that would be 300% vs 15%) tourism revenues compared to a year ago it might actually contribute to the national GDP growth rate. Unfortunately, in 2014 the Junta terminated the expansion of at Suvarnabhumi Airport that would have doubled aircraft capacity and has yet to revigorate the project.

You don't hear from DPM of Economic Affairs Somkid making any predictions about tourism materially affecting the GDP growth rate. And for good reason. For Thailand to re-organize its economic sectors away from exports and low revenue producing agriculture to tourism will take 10 years or longer to accomplish and political stability will remain an immediate potential barrier.

Yes, yes - if only the Shins were still in power, and big T back with his amnesty. Thailand would be an economic utopia in the current world in financial turmoil. Swampy would be twice the size with all those Shin construction companies doing stellar work. Tourism would be treble, the baht soaring, FDI at new levels, poverty eradicated, all Thais rich and university educated and Thai the new official ASEAN language and Thailand on the UN security council.

Dream on if it please you.

TAT was just the same with it's announcements under previous governments. It predictable, like the logic that says put up prices if you have less customers.

Political stability - wasn't very stable under any government so far was it?

[nottocus]

Man...she's one cold looking b*&^%

[Phuket Stan]

In Chiang Mai Thais and farangs belong to minority. Overcrowded by Chinese.

And exsctly the same here in Phuket....driving over Patong Hill from Kathu on Wednesday morning at 9-15 I counted 48 tourist buses....I cant count high enough to count the passenger vans....

[Nicolas32]

Her eyes tell another story sorry to say and pigs don't fly but maybe in Thailand they do ?

[LawrenceChee]

chinese chinese everywhere but not a baht to spend

I'm in Dhara Dhevi now in Chiangmai having a seafood buffet and Chinese are here

Guess the cheap Charlies you are hanging out with are giving you a double vision mate

Time to lay off the drinks ....

[ratcatcher]

That pic looks like she's trying to hold back a laugh. Thinking to herself, will everybody really believe this? LOL

"That pic looks like she's trying to hold back a laugh. "

I think the word you are looking for might be " a smirk"?