Tourism plunges 22 per cent

Published: 23/07/2009 at 03:07 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

The tourism industry has suffered its deepest slump in many decades with the number of visitors expected to be down 22 per cent on last year, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand chairman Kongkit Hiranyakij.

It was the biggest plunge in tourism growth in 49 years, he said.

Besides the global economic crisis, the country's continuing political turmoil had contributed to the sharp decline in tourism, Mr Kongkit Hiranyakij said on Thursday.

The expected number of tourist arrivals had been reduced from the expected 14.1 million to 11 million, he said.

The A(H1N1) flu outbreak could make tourism contract by three to four per cent, causing the country to lose up to 200 billion baht of tourism revenue this year, he said.

Last year, Thailand gained 540 billion baht in tourism revenue.

"If the government can solve its political problems and is able to host the Asean meetings successfully, tourism should be revived by the end of this year or the beginning of 2010," Mr Kongkit predicted.

However, he said Thai tourists would help generate an estimated 430 billion baht in revenue this year.

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Paul C

Discussion 44 : 01/08/2009 at 06:25 PM44
Thais should not be surprised that tourists are avoiding their coutry.
Tourists come to Thailand for a relaxing and good time not to be treated like sheep to be shorn. Thais have a schizophrenic attitude towards tourists and it quickly becomes apparent that they want your money but you are an object of derision. I have had numerous taxi drivers laughingly recount to me stories about the ignorant tourist who cannot speak Thai, cringe at their reckless driving and don't know how to get where they want to go, and stupidly leave large tips. Tourists, even the dumbest ones, will eventually get the idea and gravitate towards those places that treat them with respect.
Height of Stupidity

Discussion 43 : 30/07/2009 at 07:25 PM43
Yes the airport closures - because that NEVER happens in any other country. LOL! But tourists were perfectly fine with the Songkran riots, fire bombing buses, parking gas trucks up against people's apartments, gunning down civilians in the streets, and desecrating mosques. That was fine, just that peaceful strike at the airport is the only reason they haven't returned.

Are you people this stupid, or is there lead paint chips falling into your som dom?
Duhhhh

Discussion 42 : 30/07/2009 at 07:19 PM42
Duh, well let's see here. Tourism is down so I guess that must mean its got to be Thailand's fault?

It couldn't be the 20% unemployment in the US, the US dollar on life support, Timothy Giethner practically living in China begging them not to dump US dollars, and central bank collapses across Europe, a housing bubble, a credit crunch, increased taxes, etc.

Get real people. Tourism will return as soon as people get their jobs back and figure out whether they have a house to live in or not. You don't go on vacation when you lose your job and your house is foreclosed!!!

Its convenient to blame it on politics, but need I remind you, that tourism, if you actually care about the truth, follows global economic trends, peak for peak, valley for valley, hardly anyone cared about PAD or UDD. If you didn't read the paper you wouldn't even notice it was going on. PAD and UDD make up less than .5% of the population.
Silverback

Discussion 41 : 30/07/2009 at 05:50 PM41
"... It seem thailand is being compared with malaysia, does malaysia have what thailand have?..."

I suppose Discussion 36 of WANTMYMONEY explain in clear detail what the problem is. Thais think that their country is unique and absolutely fantastic. As a consequence all Farang will just be rushing in to admire its wonder and will be happy to do so also under the miserable condition offered.

Personally I do not think Farang care much on what the area of Thailand is, what the population size is and how wealthy people are. What they want is a vacation in a nice relaxing place, some amusement but most of all good deal for what they get. This is what currently Malaysia has and Thailand not anymore...

One example...
last year the airport is closed (OK, that happen everywhere when you have a general strike), tourist start to think to re-direct their Christmas vacation to neighboring country (not because they were afraid but because they were not sure the crisis will be over in time). At the same time what the Thai government dose? Increase from 30 to 150 THB the entry to every historical monument (OK it planned before but due to the situation they can also suspend the decision). The excused? Farang pay a lot in their country so they will not mind to pay a lot here as well... it does not make a difference for them anyway.
Actually it does make a difference for them and it is for this difference that they were coming to Thailand (not for the good food and for the smile of the people). Gone the difference gone the tourist... simple
Silverback

Discussion 40 : 30/07/2009 at 04:28 PM40
It is not the flu or the political instability that reduce tourism.
Tourist are just fed up to be treated the way they are treated in Thailand... The old story of the "land of smile" and "how good is tom yam" just does not work anymore...
Beside, many neighboring country are just becoming more hospitable and welcoming, beside being cheaper... So their choice is done...

If the country change its mentality towards foreigner and drop a little of their growing xenophobia than tourist will happily come back... Since than other places (i.e. Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and so on) will make good money
closing airports

Discussion 39 : 30/07/2009 at 10:35 AM39
If you get the PAD to close the airports what do you expect? at least bring them to charge why is it taking so long?
Discussion

Discussion 38 : 30/07/2009 at 08:56 AM38
Corruption level statistics vary by database, a good place to start researching is:

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/gov_cor-government-corruption

and http://filipspagnoli.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/transparency_corruption_world_map_2007.jpg

Safety and pricing/value are what every tourist seeks. I was surprised at the relatively high prices for hotel, food and services - such as medical, many the same prices as in the west. I had expected less, and was not staying in Pattaya or Sukumvit, due to the more recent headlines. The tourism industry will need to really create deals in order to stay competitive. A free day tour given by the government (as I was given upon arrival) is nice, but doesn't make up for the concerns posted here.

Today's news of the US veterinary student seen at BKK airport on tape makes me wonder if he was the victim of a scam on the lines of, "Your ticket is not booked." Causing him to leave the airport into the arms of who knows?
KaneoheConnection

Discussion 37 : 30/07/2009 at 06:15 AM37
Truth be told, the Thai economy will soon crumble under the weight of corruption and, an over-valued Baht. It won't be long before we see protest and blood in the streets again. Whenever you have a country with such a great divide between the educated/uneducated and haves/have-nots, there will always be corruption and discontent. As for the present government, I give them six months to a year. Then, more protest....Same as before.
wantmymoney

Discussion 36 : 30/07/2009 at 02:01 AM36
It seem thailand is being compared with malaysia, does malaysia have what thailand have? Firstly thailand population is closer to Vietnam and Philipines then 20 mil in malaysia. Thailand land area is bigger than France, a closer comparison should be Burma of Cambodia. Race and language is closer to Laos and cambodia then multi race malaysia. Economically, malaysia GDP is smaller than thailand but higher per capital income. However, both have corrupt police and custom, malaysia crime rate is higher then thailand, we can robbed in broad daylight on busy street and these thieves will kill to get what they want. Malaysian are less likely to help you if are in trouble but thais are generally more helpful only they lack knowledge. Malaysia is follower not a leader, Thailand has far more advanced private medical facilities then malaysia. So those who think malaysia is better wait till you have an accident or robbed, see how much regret you will be.
Keith

Discussion 35 : 29/07/2009 at 06:57 PM35
Siji is right. I moved to Malayia from Thailand about a year ago. It is fantastic for all the reasons Seiji says. Why did I waste so much time (10 years) and money in Thailand? Friends who visit are reconsidering their positions. In my opinion Thailand is doomed. Too late to reverse the downward trend and Thais attitudes and the corruption, illegal activities and crime will not be changed overnight.

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Tourism plunges 22 per cent