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Tourism was a powerful economic engine in Thailand. Then a boat full of Chinese sank


rooster59

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“There is always room for improvement, of course, but as a rule I believe our inventory of tourism products is well suited to attract visitors for many years to come,” Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT’s governor, told the FT."

 

I wouldn't have expected him to say anything else! The TAT should be renamed "House of Nero"!

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Chatting to a young lady in the UK yesterday, well travelled, been to Phuket recently, not going back. I asked any particular reason - just didn't really enjoy the experience, beach not so good, sea too rough, too comercialised.

 

Well having first arrived in Phuket 30 years ago I can confidently state had she holidayed there at that time she would have returned, the whole atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, wide open spaces, little traffic, full of smiling faces.

 

I used to be a regular visitor to Phuket, but the speed of development provided no inclination to return, for over 10 years now, and I suspect it is much worse than when I came to the conclusion Phuket was lost to profiteering

 

 

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On 8/24/2019 at 8:34 AM, Youlike said:

It's the only way the Thai will learn that safety is important.....

Now it is reported that they are fixing up the boat and putting it back into service

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On August 24, 2019 at 2:50 PM, Soikhaonoiken said:

It's the Baht which is strong, and affects all world currency, but unfortunately it hits harder on countries that there currency is weakest, hence Brits, Aussies, are going to Vietnam, Cambodia etc where thire Currency is not as strong, and gives better value for money. 

Currency in Cambodia is US dollar, when factoring in the exchange rate, not as great value as Vietnam. But still good. 

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21 hours ago, anemone said:

I really think it is the general attitude to foreignerswith visa and permit getting so hard to obtain in recent year, so much focus on the "bad guys" that they make all the "good guys" scared, tourist and foreingers feel like criminals just coming to Thailand

 

99.9% of tourists have no issue with their visas, no issue with TM30 etc and aside from perhaps seeing a 'good guys in / bad guys out' poster at the airport probably have no idea about that policy either. 

 

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1 hour ago, seancbk said:

 

99.9% of tourists have no issue with their visas, no issue with TM30 etc and aside from perhaps seeing a 'good guys in / bad guys out' poster at the airport probably have no idea about that policy either. 

 

As an expat, I can deal with TM30 (actually my wife’s responsibility), and the Visa hoops they make us jump through.  It’s the damned high Baht that infuriates me...

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On ‎8‎/‎24‎/‎2019 at 11:17 AM, BritManToo said:

And nearly all the western currencies are doing just as badly.

But the sad truth is, all the other countries around Asia are much more tourist friendly these days.

Thailand has just become a bit uncomfortable, and a bit expensive.

Tourist friendly yes but tourists are not going their in numbers. , there coming to Thailand which is why the Baht is strong

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1 hour ago, Percy P said:

Tourist friendly yes but tourists are not going their in numbers. , there coming to Thailand which is why the Baht is strong

Da Nang was packed with tourists last month, coach load after coach load of them.

This beach is 10Km long.

 

chinese.jpg

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6 hours ago, seancbk said:

 

99.9% of tourists have no issue with their visas, no issue with TM30 etc and aside from perhaps seeing a 'good guys in / bad guys out' poster at the airport probably have no idea about that policy either. 

 

Yes, it's the ones that stay away, and go elsewhere that have the issues  - hence tourism in Phuket is apparently at least 30% down - but don't worry - the man from TAT will fix it!

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On 8/26/2019 at 9:51 AM, seancbk said:

 

99.9% of tourists have no issue with their visas, no issue with TM30 etc and aside from perhaps seeing a 'good guys in / bad guys out' poster at the airport probably have no idea about that policy either. 

 

Everytime they tell a frequent visitor to get a Non-O visa and you say "I don't have 800k Baht" they look confused.  Most of them have no idea.

 

They wonder why you just don't go down and pick up a Non-O.  Easy peasy.

 

I think they are not told some things.

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On 8/24/2019 at 8:23 PM, Youlike said:

Plus the professional service of the staff is much higher in said countries which is very important for a lady spending big money on a purse.

Exactly. Shopping in Thailand is a very uncomfortable experience.

First they put a lot of pressure on you to buy. Then if you politely leave without buying, they treat you with unbelievable arrogance and contempt. Happens consistently and almost every time.

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