Postbag: Tourists must feel safe

Postbag

Published: 15 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The Bangkok Post editorials on Nov 11 and 12 put out the important message that Thailand cannot afford to ignore the risks and hazards tourists face in the country if we expect to continue benefitting from the substantial revenue and employment generated by the tourism sector.

When it comes to attracting tourists, perceptions are often far more important than realities.

Yes, Thailand is generally a very safe country. Yes, assaults, robberies and scams can and do happen to tourists in nearly every country. But if potential tourists think Thai authorities are uncaring or unwilling to address real threats, inconveniences and annoyances, they will quickly abandon the Land of Smiles for other destinations that are perceived to be more ''tourist friendly''.

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thaigenius
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Discussion 13 : 16 Nov 2012 at 04.2213
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Disc 3,11 + 12: I somehow doubt very much that this older couple was detained for not having a marriage certificate. I live in Malaysia and have lived in Thailand and both are nice places to live in for sure, but my preference for quality of life, and ease of life is without a doubt in Malaysia. Foreigners here are very welcome, you can own land here, and stay for a easily renewable 10 year visa. I could not agree more with Disc 3. There are also other visas available here if you have skills, they want talent to move here. Malaysia is making an eager effort to attract the quality "farang", and it seems to be working big time.
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OldThaiHand
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Discussion 12 : 15 Nov 2012 at 20.2712
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Disc 11

Certain parts of Malaysia (I thought the East coast, not West) are conservative and a few isolated places have Sharia law.

But, the vast majority of Malaysia is very open. The government has the "Malaysia my Home" campaign to attract foreigners to live there.

I have friends with whom I worked in the UAE who could have gone anywhere in the world, but chose Langkawi because of the good value of properties available, low cost of living, friendly locals and excellent lifestyle.
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mogy71
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Discussion 11 : 15 Nov 2012 at 19.2011
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Oldthaihand D3: not so sure about that. I knew a US retired couple who traipsed the globe looking for their ideal home, which they found on the west coast of Malaysia. During their initial period trying to arrange lease of the house, they were staying in a hotel. One night, early morning, the religious police came to their hotel room demanding they produce their marriage certificate. As they were both 70+ this wasn't possible so they were thrown in jail for 4 days. They stayed until they were able to have a relative arrange to have one sent from the US. Then they were allowed to go free.
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upena
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Discussion 10 : 15 Nov 2012 at 12.1810
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Samanea

Tourism figures for Thailand are impressive. International visitors topped 19 million in 2011, spending some 776 billion baht.

Only if you believe the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
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rebel4ever
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Discussion 9 : 15 Nov 2012 at 09.479
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Disc.3,4 and 7: I put my condo for sale and am packing already... Particularly the yearly visa process, re-entry permits and 90 days show up are annoying me. Just meant to keep the expats under control, instead of the local crooks. Imagine the impact on the Thai economy if all expats would be going south to Malaysia... I'm leading the way, follow me.
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rebel4ever
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Discussion 8 : 15 Nov 2012 at 09.408
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Fair is fair. Dom Dunn, I liked your Abhisit article as well as your comment about Tourism Minister Chumpon.. Usually, I don't agree with you, but today you are spot on...Keep writing.
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bkkdave
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Discussion 7 : 15 Nov 2012 at 08.437
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D3 You;ve got it correct 100%
Thailand's obsession with controlling the baht against the US dollar is making it more expensive by the day.
Add the cost of flights and double-pricing everywhere and no wonder tourists will choose elsewhere.

And of the supposed 19 million arrivals, how many were simply on visa runs where you put one foot over a line, then back in the minibus -- another arrival !!
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kena
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Discussion 6 : 15 Nov 2012 at 08.256
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Tourism Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa should know, as should every other government authority: rape is illegal. It's a very serious crime, and if someone is accused, he should be investigated thoroughly. If found guilty, he should be punished to the full extent of the law. No leniency for soggy excuses.
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Deedy
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Discussion 5 : 15 Nov 2012 at 07.585
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Again we see yet more classic examples of what happens when those in authority got there simply because of who they know. This is Thailand's single biggest problem and is the source from which all other issues - corruption, incompetence, political chaos, poor education, etc. - emanate. It is also why the those who have that authority - on both sides - fears the continuing awakening of the Thai people.
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thaigenius
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Discussion 4 : 15 Nov 2012 at 07.274
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Not to mention that the quality and type of tourist in Malaysia is also much different. Thailand has a well deserved reputation of hosting a certain tourist type seeking only one thing - look at Pattaya as an example. This is also very in your face throughout Thailand - there is no escaping this. Malaysia does not attract the "single" male tourist in droves as Thailand does, whereas it attracts "couples" and "families" in droves. Different destinations, different tourist types. Also, in Malaysia one never gets the feeling they are being ripped off or scammed at every corner.
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