As rivals gain, Thai tourism cries out for distinct image

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As rivals gain, Thai tourism cries out for distinct image

Published: 12 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Business

Thailand should have a clear campaign to promote tourism and distinguish itself from neighbouring countries, says the Association of Thai Tourism Marketing (ATTM).

President Mingkwan Metmowlee said Indonesia and Cambodia are gaining popularity with European travellers.

The governments of both countries have supported the tourism industry, and the private sector also cooperates with state policies.

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rastas
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Discussion 4 : 20 Oct 2012 at 09.484
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Getting rid of the Tourist scam Tuk Tuk's, Gem shop's, Jet Ski's and double pricing would be a good start. Thailand has certainly lost its welcoming smile in the last 10 years.
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boons
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Discussion 3 : 17 Oct 2012 at 07.063
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The problem is the baht is too high. Thailand has always been a price-competitive destination, but it is rapidly losing that status.

Many believe that the answer to price non-competitiveness is in premium/luxury offerings. But the world has no shortage of those already, and demand for expensive destinations is at an all time low. Furthermore, Thailand's tourist areas have become overdeveloped and crowded, making the experience somewhat less than "Amazing", and not quite worth the higher price tag.

In just ten years, Burma, Vietnam and Cambodia will be the preferred destinations of tourists. Resorts there will offer newer, nicer and cheaper alternatives to Thailand.
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franklin
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Discussion 2 : 14 Oct 2012 at 13.262
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First off, Thailand isn’t the same Thailand of just a decade ago. Enough with the variation on the word “amazing”. Amaze people with a new and more accurate introduction. The ‘Thai Smile’ is less often seen after having left the reception counter at the hotel and it’s my guess that Thais are less happy what with all the political division, economic hardship and government corruption and its lack of concern for its own people. Don’t scam the tourist upon arrival and see them as ‘money bags’ only. And here’s a novel idea, advertise in airports and everywhere a Thai Tourist Web Site specifically designed as a suggestion box for departing tourists who can give the pros and cons, good and bad, plusses and minuses of their journey. And lastly, another novelty for Thailand, listen and respond to the messages from the bottom, up. Who knows it might start a trend called representative government.
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bluski9
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Discussion 1 : 12 Oct 2012 at 14.131
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Thailand has slowly allowed their country to fall into a state of disrepair..Many of the pristine forests, mountains and beaches have been destroyed all for the sake of building concrete structures, Second, many taxi and jet ski operators continue to be rude and rip off tourists..Third, many if not all the pavements along the roads are dilapidated and broken making it unsafe and uncomfortable to walk throughout the city.

Many of your neighbours have taken the stand to limit the number of tourists visiting their country as well as preserving their heritage places and not allowing any construction to destroy the landscape.

Fix those problems and then maybe you will regain your competitive advantage..

Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
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As rivals gain, Thai tourism cries out for distinct image | Bangkok Post: business