Jump to content

Tourism Ministry Proposes Waiving Visa Fees For 6 Months


Recommended Posts

if thailand wants to get tourist, get the baht back to 42 to 1 usd

Can't ask what is out of their hands. Exchange rates will be adjusted by the market. What they really can do is make Thailand more farang friendly destination not only for tourists, but for many people living here already. Then maybe many more thousands will come. And bring much more in, than tourists. But this is too much to ask of any Thai Govt. Ofcourse, cheap airfares will be a good trick, if it comes... :o

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 239
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

No need to waive entrance fees to National parks - just charge 1 price for all, instead of dual pricing

Well said. On a recent trip to Sukhothai I told the cashier on the desk that I worked in Thailand and paid tax. I also showed ID etc to prove that I was not a tourist. Other places have seen sense and allowed me the Thai rate. On this occasion I still had to pay the full tourist price. In the UK if you have to pay to go into an historical place of interest, everyone pays the same price - with the exception of children/OAPs who get a concession. It doesn't matter if your British or foreign, everyone pays the same. I also know of occasions where friends and colleagues have refused to pay the entry fee because they felt that the system was unfair, so these places are losing money anyway for having a duel pricing system. They felt that it was unfair as a Thai millionaire can enter for a few baht but they, as a working, tax paying farang, would have had to have paid a far more. Foreiner tax. I sent an e-mail to the TAT asking about this an have not received a reply...I can't say I'm surprised.

1 price for all, you know it makes sense.

There have been thousands of Topics and Threads discussing your complaints.

This Topic is about the Thais going after the 'desirable' tourists.

"the main target markets are China, India, the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan."

It does NOT surprise me they are NOT going after farang tourists. They want tourists not those who want to cheap out here for the rest of their lives. That is the ROOT of this Topic.

Visitors from the target countries you mention get VOA, so waiving visa fees makes no difference. So far as national park charges are concerned, how many Asian visitors do you see going out in the sun to hike up and down national parks? The Asians I know (I am Singaporean) avoid the sun at all costs. So I can't see how cutting national park entrance fees is going to attract visitors from the target markets. It's the Farang who go out in the midday sun. If you want Asian visitors, try building a casino. That'll get them flocking here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Maybe it is only BKK that is suffering, i just called my travel agent in samui and she is lapping it up with customers flooding through the door. I tried to book a room in a resort and all my favourite ones were full !

I don't think the pound will get too much stronger against the baht, the pound was over inflated for far too long and the UK is for want of a better word 'skint'. Perhaps the Thai economy has a similar problem but it will not surface for a while, the country needs to go through that 'the economy is really strong and there will not be a recession...honest' denial stage that the UK went through for 1-2 years first. All this talk of crashing the Baht i am hearing is insane, if that happened it would be pure suicide for the country.

I am predicting 56 baht to the pound in the next 6 months. Analysts are starting to know more about where the economy stands and substantiated 3-5 year projections will see a more stable pound.

Still pretty cheap here though isn't it? As long as you don't live like a Prince...blimey if you are European and can't afford to live here you need to get home and sign on :o

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does this means that if you go to Laos, for example, and apply for a tourist visa, you will not pay anything?Sames as for the extension in Suan Phlu? What about the tourist doing border crossing? I'm interested to know eventhough I have a wp here, co'z I have a lot of friends wanting to visit Thailand time 1-2 mos., but since the airport closure they change their minds and feel it's not safe here anymore.

BM

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Anyone who believes these miniscule measures will help tourism is living in cuckoo land.

Thai from Manchester Mid March (already discounted) is 984 GBP ..Etihad is 424 GBP & ONLY 14 seats sold on both of the 2 flights on my dept date

Until Thailand wake up to cause and effect they will always be 3rd World dumb arse fools

The baht is totally over valued by at least 40% wait for the screams as exports continue to crash

For the previous comments of baht exchange of 25 to the $ (circa 1990) yes it was BUT the costs were in real terms much lower …after the baht hit 43 to the $ remember the massive price increases that Hit and never went back down

Thats why Thailand is now priced out of the market

Anyone who thinks Thailand will only suffer a small loss of tourists just wait another 2-3 weeks ...as many of the New Year Western Holiday makers go back home

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does this means that if you go to Laos, for example, and apply for a tourist visa, you will not pay anything?Sames as for the extension in Suan Phlu? What about the tourist doing border crossing? I'm interested to know eventhough I have a wp here, co'z I have a lot of friends wanting to visit Thailand time 1-2 mos., but since the airport closure they change their minds and feel it's not safe here anymore.

BM

As is often the case, not much is clear. A semi official announcement of what is being "requested", light on detail and just basically designed to create some positive spin, is not something you can hang your hat on. Wait a while and I suspect you will find it will all peter out without much concrete action.

Mind you, if your friends are worried about security, I can't see why you think a reduced or waived visa fee might change their minds.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What actually would boost and promote is the way Malaysia treat visitors -

for almost every country no visa is required and you get a 90 day stamp in your passport on arrival not only 15 days!

Thumbs up on that one!

One Price "Visitors Fees" for ALL!

Reduce Domestic Airtickets, specially the Bangkok Airways USM-BKK-USM fares are unfair and overpriced if compared with other non-monopoly destinations!

How Thai Airways are going to operate on 50%...... remains to be seen!

And, Non-O and Non-B Class Visas are NO Tourist Visa, why should they be included?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does that mean all visa fees including the 1 year visas? What about the stupid "re-entry permits" for Work Permit holders? Abolishing them would make it cheaper and more convenient to travel around and would boost the air ticket sales.

Whatever this is about it's nice to see the government moving in the right direction after years of "crackdowns" on everything Farang. I hope we will live to see the day the government makes it possible for farang to own properties in their names and do business like everyone else here. Simple visa rules and encouragement of retirees would be great too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No need to waive entrance fees to National parks - just charge 1 price for all, instead of dual pricing

I sent an e-mail to the TAT asking about this an have not received a reply...I can't say I'm surprised.

There have been thousands of Topics and Threads discussing your complaints.

This Topic is about the Thais going after the 'desirable' tourists.

"the main target markets are China, India, the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan."

It does NOT surprise me they are NOT going after farang tourists. They want tourists not those who want to cheap out here for the rest of their lives. That is the ROOT of this Topic.

Visitors from the target countries you mention

The coutries were NOT MY 'mention'. It is a cut and paste from the OP. The Thai Tourism Minister 'mentioned' that list. Read the OP.

Every country in the WORLD has discounts for the locals on events, ferries, education, museums, and many other things. The ONLY group I've ever seen complain about it are the farangs of Thai Visa. Moderators allow this Thai bashing then silence me for being 'inflamatory' aka telling the truth. I am guessing they would find Hawaii more to their liking!

Find ONE Japanese, Chinese, Korean or any on the Minsiter's List that complains in emails to TAT about not getting to pay Thai pricing!!?? sheeshhh

Edited by eggomaniac
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It never fails, someone always has to find an excuse to whine about the requirements for long-stay visas/extensions of stay.

This topic is about "tourism", not long-stay expats. Be honest...how many "tourists" stay in a country for more than 30 days? Staying here for years, doing constant visa runs, etc etc, then trying to call yourself a "tourist", is just a bit disingenious, chai mai khrap.

Yes, those of us who are long-stayers certainly contribute to the economy...we have built plenty of houses in Isaan and provided quality health care for herds of sick buffalo. But we are not tourists, and true tourism is what these efforts are aiming towards...you know, the people who fly in, spend several thousand baht/day for a couple of weeks, then go home.

I personally do not find the fees for yearly extension of stay (1900 THB) and the (optional) re-entry permit (1000 THB single/3800 THB multiple) to be onerous. For ~ 170 USD I am set for a year. I am in and out of Thailand enough that I typically do not have to do a 90-day report. And that does not cost anything, other than a bit of time.

The "money in the bank" requirement is NOT a fee...sure, it ties some of your money up for a bit. Look at it from Thailand's point of view...they do not want a bunch of expat welfare cases hanging around. As to why there is a different requirement monetarily for extension based on marriage vs. extension based on retirement, that makes perfect sense to me. In the first case, the reasonable assumption can be made that there will be some family help to provide at least subsistence if needed. Also, there is more likely to be more significant ongoing income in the first case. And, you are providing a benefit to Thailand by supporting one or more citizens.

Now, are the required deposit amounts out of line? That could be argued. 800,000 THB is a significant amount of money for sure. hel_l, 400,000 is a significant amount, to me anyway.

Bottom line, it is their country, they make the rules, and we do not have any "right" to be here...we are guests.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sure. My british neighbor was telling me ... Yeah, for instance a free 3 months visa that I don't need would definitely help me to take a decision".

:o

Poor Thailand. With such "ministers" the road is going to be long. And steep.

Among the main target markets are China, India, the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan

If the target market doesn't include Britain then the relevance of his thoughts on the implications of a strategy not aimed at him seems minimal. I guess this is another example of the Western Logic some posters find so wonderful.

When they offer free dental work you'll know they're targeting the Brits.

Edited by Kaojai
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does that mean all visa fees including the 1 year visas? What about the stupid "re-entry permits" for Work Permit holders? Abolishing them would make it cheaper and more convenient to travel around and would boost the air ticket sales.

Whatever this is about it's nice to see the government moving in the right direction after years of "crackdowns" on everything Farang. I hope we will live to see the day the government makes it possible for farang to own properties in their names and do business like everyone else here. Simple visa rules and encouragement of retirees would be great too.

Read the OP cut and Paste >>> quote the Thai Tourism Minister.>>>

"the main target markets are China, India, the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan."

The new proposal has nothing to do with farangs or expats. Advertising will only be spent in the above countries. They have done market research on which countries supply the most lucrative tourists who cause the least amount problems.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fees of 3 months' visas slashed

The Council of Economic Ministers ruled to slash fees for all kinds of visas for foreingers visiting the country for three months, effective on January 20.

Deputy Spokesman of Prime Minister's Office Mr. Puttipong Punnakan (พุทธิพงษ์ ปุณณกันต์) revealed that a meeting of the Council of Economic Ministers on Wednesday (January 14) consented to slash fees for all kinds of visas for foreigners visiting the country for three months, effective on January 20.

Regarding damages from recent closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports following blockade of People's Alliance for Democracy, the meeting instructed Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collect details of damages to be presented to the Cabinet's meeting on January 20.

Meanwhile, the meeting would reconsider later suggestion by tourism business entrepreneurs who asked the government to provide soft loans for them and reduce taxes on buildings, hotels and accommodation rooms.

Besides, the economic ministers also instructed government agencies to host seminars and studying activities to the country place of foreign countries. They also instructed the National Statistical Office and the National Economic and Social Development Board to collect information and fees relating to tourism, such as parking fees of aircrafts, in order to be presented to the Cabinet to consider to reduce fees.

In addition, the meeting instructed Ministry of Transport to seek measures to prevent airports' closure from recurring. Ministry of Tourism and Sports was instructed to negotiate for cooperation with airliners to reduce ticket fares to help turning around local tourism.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 15 January 2009

This is interesting..... make boarder runs 15days only, then announce a free for all for visa fees.

I have to apply for a double tourist visa in Laos on 20th.... Maybe I'll be getting this for free if the above quote is accurate??.... then again TIT!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fees of 3 months' visas slashed

The Council of Economic Ministers ruled to slash fees for all kinds of visas for foreingers visiting the country for three months, effective on January 20.

hmmm... no specifics on precisely how much they are slashing, but good news.... if it actually happens next week.

Do any of you really think its true, its the biggist load of THAI BULLSHIT so far this year. It wont happen never has never will..... :o

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If they actually reduced airfare by 50% on the discounted tickets and not the "full economy fare" that would actually make a difference. Somehow though I'm sure it's just a discount off the full economy fare so people see the hype, but don't actually get any benefit. Kind of like that buy 1 get 1 free business class deal they run which isn't a deal at all.

Keep in mind that there is no mention of reducing the Fuel Surcharge from the price of air travel, which is usually more than the ticket itself. Just think about Air Asia's "free" tickets they offer now and then, all you pay is the taxes and fuel surcharge. It still saves you money, but if they can do 100% on their own, then 50% shouldn't be a big deal. After all, what does it amount to, 10% of the total price? Not even oil dropping to about 1/4 of it's recent peak in price has removed the fuel surcharges.

I smell profit!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Price's for flights with Qatar & Emerates are all ready well down on what they were 3/4 months ago, Emerates prices for long stay dates flight from UK ie 6 months plus are down to around £500 & could drop more if demand is low.

we have just paid £820 includeing all taxes for 2 return tickets heathrow to bkk with ethiad which i thought was good lets see how good it gets flying in end feb for 17 days

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fees of 3 months' visas slashed

The Council of Economic Ministers ruled to slash fees for all kinds of visas for foreingers visiting the country for three months, effective on January 20.

hmmm... no specifics on precisely how much they are slashing, but good news.... if it actually happens next week.

"Waive visa fees" means free to me ...

same to me (as per OP)... but Post #2 to "slash fees" doesn't necessarily mean the same.... we'll see.

Meanwhile, today I landed at Suvarnabhumi and they told all foreign passengers they could get only a 15 DAY tourist visa upon arrival. That's a great way to encourage tourism, reduce the upon arrival visa by half.

Who makes decisions in this country anyway and how can Immigration change the rules here willy nilly without promulgating regulations and holding public hearings AS PRESCRIBED BY THAI LAW.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No need to waive entrance fees to National parks - just charge 1 price for all, instead of dual pricing

I sent an e-mail to the TAT asking about this an have not received a reply...I can't say I'm surprised.

There have been thousands of Topics and Threads discussing your complaints.

This Topic is about the Thais going after the 'desirable' tourists.

"the main target markets are China, India, the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan."

It does NOT surprise me they are NOT going after farang tourists. They want tourists not those who want to cheap out here for the rest of their lives. That is the ROOT of this Topic.

Visitors from the target countries you mention

The coutries were NOT MY 'mention'. It is a cut and paste from the OP. The Thai Tourism Minister 'mentioned' that list. Read the OP.

Every country in the WORLD has discounts for the locals on events, ferries, education, museums, and many other things. The ONLY group I've ever seen complain about it are the farangs of Thai Visa. Moderators allow this Thai bashing then silence me for being 'inflamatory' aka telling the truth. I am guessing they would find Hawaii more to their liking!

Find ONE Japanese, Chinese, Korean or any on the Minsiter's List that complains in emails to TAT about not getting to pay Thai pricing!!?? sheeshhh

To be accurate :D , the countries were "originally" mentioned in the OP, then rementioned in your own post. If you did not mention them, why do the words appear within your own post. But does it really matter? :o

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No need to waive entrance fees to National parks - just charge 1 price for all, instead of dual pricing

Well said. On a recent trip to Sukhothai I told the cashier on the desk that I worked in Thailand and paid tax. I also showed ID etc to prove that I was not a tourist. Other places have seen sense and allowed me the Thai rate. On this occasion I still had to pay the full tourist price. In the UK if you have to pay to go into an historical place of interest, everyone pays the same price - with the exception of children/OAPs who get a concession. It doesn't matter if your British or foreign, everyone pays the same. I also know of occasions where friends and colleagues have refused to pay the entry fee because they felt that the system was unfair, so these places are losing money anyway for having a duel pricing system. They felt that it was unfair as a Thai millionaire can enter for a few baht but they, as a working, tax paying farang, would have had to have paid a far more. Foreiner tax. I sent an e-mail to the TAT asking about this an have not received a reply...I can't say I'm surprised.

1 price for all, you know it makes sense.

Any wonder why they can't figure out how democracy works???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very good point,49.7 baht to the gbp is reducing tourists coming to Thailand
Nothing to do with the Thai Baht, has more to do with the steady decline of the GBP ever since WWII compared to all other major currencies (although accelerated the last few months).

What about 15 day visa runs. Why don't they let those go back to 30 days so tourists that are here will stay longer and spend more money instead of having to fly out of the country for the 30 day stamp.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fees of 3 months' visas slashed

The Council of Economic Ministers ruled to slash fees for all kinds of visas for foreingers visiting the country for three months, effective on January 20.

hmmm... no specifics on precisely how much they are slashing, but good news.... if it actually happens next week.

"Waive visa fees" means free to me ...

same to me (as per OP)... but Post #2 to "slash fees" doesn't necessarily mean the same.... we'll see.

Meanwhile, today I landed at Suvarnabhumi and they told all foreign passengers they could get only a 15 DAY tourist visa upon arrival. That's a great way to encourage tourism, reduce the upon arrival visa by half.

Who makes decisions in this country anyway and how can Immigration change the rules here willy nilly without promulgating regulations and holding public hearings AS PRESCRIBED BY THAI LAW.

It's not a REAL democracy, get it? The law is only to make people think they have rights, not because anyone actually follows it. They just haven't learned how to "pretend" as well as the U.S. yet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

New measures to stimulate tourism, agricultural sectors

BANGKOK: -- Economic ministers on Wednesday issued new measures to stimulate the tourism and agricultural sectors, a day after the cabinet approved a Bt115 billion supplementary budget.

Deputy government Spokesman Puttipong Punnakan said the economic ministerial meeting had approved the waiving of all visa fees for three months, to help tourism. It was to cost the government Bt1 billion. The Finance Ministry will also assist business operators in the tourism sector, through a tax cut and measures to alleviate their debts.

In addition, the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) was assigned to study the possibility of reducing airport and landing fees. The Ministry of Transport will also outline measures to prevent airport closures in the future and ask airlines to reduce airfares to Thailand.

To assist farmers, the Finance Ministry set aside a budget for palm, maize and rubber mortgages through the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.

NESDB secretary general Amphon Kitti-amphon said it was necessary to assist farmers as they were likely to suffer from a sharp decline in produce prices.

Prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva affirmed the government’s stimulus package would be accessible to all people.

“The government’s aid package aims to cover as many people as possible in all sectors, especially the elderly and in education which have long been neglected. I assure the assistance covers all people in all parts of the country.” said the premier.

-- TNA 2009-01-15

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No need to waive entrance fees to National parks - just charge 1 price for all, instead of dual pricing

I sent an e-mail to the TAT asking about this an have not received a reply...I can't say I'm surprised.

There have been thousands of Topics and Threads discussing your complaints.

This Topic is about the Thais going after the 'desirable' tourists.

"the main target markets are China, India, the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan."

It does NOT surprise me they are NOT going after farang tourists. They want tourists not those who want to cheap out here for the rest of their lives. That is the ROOT of this Topic.

Visitors from the target countries you mention

The coutries were NOT MY 'mention'. It is a cut and paste from the OP. The Thai Tourism Minister 'mentioned' that list. Read the OP.

Every country in the WORLD has discounts for the locals on events, ferries, education, museums, and many other things. The ONLY group I've ever seen complain about it are the farangs of Thai Visa. Moderators allow this Thai bashing then silence me for being 'inflamatory' aka telling the truth. I am guessing they would find Hawaii more to their liking!

Find ONE Japanese, Chinese, Korean or any on the Minsiter's List that complains in emails to TAT about not getting to pay Thai pricing!!?? sheeshhh

Okay then, I gotta get my 2 cents worth, or more, in here. First, do they sell Eggo's in Thailand? haha! Next, the "target" countries, unlike those countries that expat to Thailand, aren't flooded themselves with Thai's that not only get to go there and live, but also work or get money from their Farang, then send the money to Thailand. Namely Australia, UK and U.S. primarily. As for me being one that want's to "cheap out" here in Thailand the rest of my life, I bring money every month into this economy and that is exactly what adds that 8% to Thailands GDP, I don't send it home. If I do work for the lower wages offered here, I won't likely send it back to the U.S. and I'll likely be doing something that helps Thailand compete in the Global marketplace somehow. Frankly, Thailand should be grateful to have me here, as well as the many others that "trade" places with Thai's that go to our countries and get to live at a higher standard. The "target" countries are along the same standard as Thailand, so why would they want to stay here to "cheap out"?

I also don't see any grand Christian Church's in the middle of Bkk, maybe I'm wrong, but I do see Temples all over the United States. Next, I've been a lot of places, and everywhere in U.S. and in western countries, dual pricing is illegal. It's called discrimination, you know, based on gender, age, race, national origin, ethnic background or sexual orientation. I have my own solution to dual pricing, I don't go places that have dual pricing. The few times I have gone with Thai friends, they know that whatever the total price of all the tickets is will be divided equally among us. So the 4 Thai's I was with actually paid 4/5ths of the increase charged to me. Therefore we all paid the same price. Otherwise I wouldn't go.

Are you even Thai? Or just wish you were?

Ay

:o

Edited by johnefallis
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What actually would boost and promote is the way Malaysia treat visitors -

for almost every country no visa is required and you get a 90 day stamp in your passport on arrival not only 15 days!

Exactly.

It was not all that long ago when (for national's of certain countries) you got 90 days on arrival.

Thailand shot themselves in the foot with all this visa crap. They were hel_l bent and intent on screwing anyone who set foot in the realm and now they are paying the price.

The good times don't last forever and they (the supposed authorities) might do well to remember it "for next time"

And, speaking of national park fees they should be abolished or at the very least foreigners should pay the same as locals.

Thailand has to learn which side the butter is on.

Still it's a step in the right direction. Like Armstrong said in 69 "one small step........"

Edited by john b good
Link to comment
Share on other sites

wont do anything, its all cosmetic; Most countries get 30 days when they fly in and thats the most, most toursits need. of course might help the long term guys that get visas and sty here.

Lowering airfares wont help now as its to late for high season, Most toursist can not just pack up and take a vacation and plan months in advance PLUS thats going on the assumtion they have money to spend.

When ur hurting and trying to save $$ the 1st thing u cut is long distance vacations....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pain is the bringer of needed change. Economic pain has to be felt and not predicted to get attention. I've skipped a couple of trips to Thailand that I'd usually take, myself. My retirement planning has changed since Thailand is doing all it can to keep us out as well. Other countries, not my first love like Thailand, are now better options.

This post should be in News Clippings where it would get more attention. Great post!

So... now they should go further and change the banking system. It's stupidly difficult and expensive to get money into Thailand banks for family back in Thailand. I always thought that situation was the epitome of dumb. A country with roadblocks that keep funds out is self-destructive.

Edited by ding
Link to comment
Share on other sites

TOURISM PROPOSALS

Waive visa fees, cut air fares: Tourism and Sports Ministry

proposed measures

Among the main target markets are China, India, the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan.

Does anybody from the 'target markets' read Thai Visa? Does this proposal have anything to do with expats? Are farang tourists, for some unknown reasons OR known reasons, not valued like guests on the Minister's list?

some things make you hmmmmm...

EGGO, I just realized where you are from, Ay. I guess that's why it's not "ego", but "AYgo-manic", and here I was thinking you like waffles. It makes sense now.

:o

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Being more of a reader of this forum rather than a contributor may I add my random experiences/views?

As a tourist coming to the end of a 60 day holiday in Thailand may I just say that the exchange rate plays a greater part in many peoples choice of destination that many may think. Much more I would suggest than a tourist visa which is a “front-end” cost.

Okay I'm from the UK rather than the “targeted” tourist nations in this thread but some of those countries in the list are hitting economic hard times in a similar manner to my home nation.

The vast majority of my time has been spent in Bangkok where I rented a condo and throughout my stay various tourists/travellers/visitors have admitted that although they thought they were spending the same as in previous trips money was a concern where it was not before. This was not just due to exchange rates but the rise in “living” costs too.

Now I'm fortunate that I earn well, have no debt and no strings but even before I left the UK I was hearing from friends who “serially” travel to Thailand during November about the ramp-up in expenditure. Now although neither this nor the airport fiasco deterred me from travelling I am not so sure about other more “casual” travellers who operate on a tighter budget or have a family accompanying them. Interestingly expenditure was never a topic of our conversation that I could remember from previous encounters.

I would be hypocritical in saying that the exchange rate has not affected my spending habits whilst in Thailand. Having a Thai girlfriend this has not been in eating or drinking naturally but rather in other areas. Books particularity and a high-end mobile phone which I considered buying – neither were ever great value in Thailand before but with the current exchange rate it now seems silly to buy these here. Better to wait until home.

Finally, having never been in Bangkok before during peak season I cannot comment on how relatively busy it is compared to past years – but it does seem quiet to me. Traders in either street stalls or malls seem to be doing no real volume of trade which I have noticed at other periods of the year during my previous trips. The same could be said for suit touts, taxis, tuk-tuk drivers and the street prostitutes who seem to be getting more desperate and feral by the day.

Just my experiences....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.





  • Popular Now

×
×
  • Create New...