Focus on beaches, not farms

Ex-minister urges govt to drive tourism growth

Published: 28 Feb 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Business

The government must make a trade-off between agriculture and tourism if it wants to maintain leadership in the Asean tourism market, says a former finance minister.

The number of tourists visiting Thailand continues to rise. China is the No.1 feeder, but India will surpass Russia and Malaysia to be the second-biggest market. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL

Thanong Bidaya said harvesting rice two or three times a year harms the natural environment, while excessive production forces Thailand to sell rice to Africa, a poor market.

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jacksprat
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Discussion 5 : 28 Feb 2013 at 20.425
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"Former farmers could go to work in tourism and other industries." Doing what? Is there a demand for Thai and Lao speakers in tourism?
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sami
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Discussion 4 : 28 Feb 2013 at 20.404
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I agree tourism is more lucrative, but landless masses will eventually create mayhem. If production should be cut back, it should not be done by encouraging the farms to be sold, since eventually the situation will come around full circle. Maintaining enough food for the nation should be the number one priority; maintaining farms for the marginal populations offsets the problems of poverty by providing a lifestyle consistent with traditions and easy living. The government should simply stop supporting the farmers, yet make selling the property difficult in order to provide land for generations to come. Rather, land can be leased.
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christhai
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Discussion 3 : 28 Feb 2013 at 14.263
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You must focus on both, ok tourist is a sensitive issue !
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Asterix
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Discussion 2 : 28 Feb 2013 at 11.122
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I love what Mr Thanong said. "Besides, it also has sea, sand, sun and sex.". Mr Thanong, a former finance minister confirms that SEX is part of the tourism industry to attract tourists....hopelessly..... Thailand.....When Immigration will provide free condoms at International Airport?
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boons
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Discussion 1 : 28 Feb 2013 at 04.041
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Stop using head count. It is meaningless if per capita spending falls.
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Focus on beaches, not farms | Bangkok Post: business