Changing Thailand's cheap and cheerful image

THINKBOX

Changing Thailand's cheap and cheerful image

Published: 6 Feb 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Life

Thanks to our selection of affordable vacations, the strong Chinese economy and the box office hit Lost In Thailand, which indirectly promoted Chiang Mai and Thai culture, the number of visitors from China is expected to pass the 3 million mark this year. It is tipped to grow 12% from the 2.8 million people who visited last year.

Qin Yusen, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, cited the convenience of travelling here as well as the well-known beauty of the country among the reasons why Chinese people love to visit the Kingdom. There are many direct flights from China's major cities to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, while travelling around the Land of Smiles is also easy.

"First-time Chinese travellers always head to Bangkok and Pattaya as well as nearby small islands. More seasoned visitors will go further afield to Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai," he said. "They love to come back because of Thai hospitality, delicious food and shopping as many things here are not expensive."

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jacksprat
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Discussion 6 : 06 Feb 2013 at 12.356
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@discussion 1 - How can you compare salaries with the US or Europe without taking into account the cost of living? I could make 4 times what I do in the west. It would also cost me 4 times as much to live there!
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Tanami
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Discussion 5 : 06 Feb 2013 at 11.375
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Naomi, you said it all. Thailand's politicians are only interested in power and money. As long as equality and rights for everyone are not addressed this country is destined to become the poor house of Asia. Thailand's leaders believe in 'Greed is Good'.
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shaunt73
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Discussion 4 : 06 Feb 2013 at 10.064
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I don't agree that the same quality of service is available in the cheaper hotels. In my experience you need to pay international prices for quality service. A Thai smile is not enough!
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spurs78
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Discussion 3 : 06 Feb 2013 at 09.263
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I think Martin Craigs needs to remember that one of the huge draws to Thailand is the fact that you can treat yourself on a relatively small budget. Raising hotel room prices doesn't automatically make it a quality stay - five star hotels here are already high quality and make a pretty decent profit. In fact, with all the bad news about foreigners in Thailand in the press recently (tourists and expats alike) prices should remain low to induce travel to Thailand. China and other booming countries won't always have money to spend, I think you just have to look at recent history to realise that.
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naomi
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Discussion 2 : 06 Feb 2013 at 06.172
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Funny that you said TAT is trying to attract people that earn 60k or more. Most average income people in the Western countries earn 60K or more. Tourism in Thailand is geared towards adult theme. Not every Westerners like techno disco blasting at every beach. This has become the norm and accepted. Very sad. Forget bringing families to Thailand for vacations. People that did that, won't return. In fact, I think Thailand is attracting only farang ki nok and Thais still worship them like gods. Thailand doesn't need more time. Thailand needs change of attitude.
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naomi
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Discussion 1 : 06 Feb 2013 at 06.061
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Thai prices are way off compare to developed countries. And this is because Thailand is an undevelop country in terms of infrastructure and government. Step outside Bangkok, what do you see? Poverty that can be compared to the Europe and US 150 years ago, Japan and Korea 100 years ago. And the government....do I have to say?
You have compared the food and hotels. Look at other prices: salaries for example. Entry level professionals earn what 15 to 25K US dollars compare to 45-80K in the US. Look at the low end, plumbers, taxi drivers, carpenters, etc. US- 60-90K, Thailand??? pennies. Oh what the government have done to you all. Shame!!!
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Changing Thailand's cheap and cheerful image | Bangkok Post: opinion